Arizona Cardinals Release Tight End D.C. Jefferson

Aug 9, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end D.C. Jefferson (86) reaches down to try and catch the ball as Green Bay Packers linebacker Jamari Lattimore (57) defends during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie tight end D.C. Jefferson is a free agent.  The Arizona Cardinals released the rookie after signing free agent tight end Jake Ballard on Monday.  Jefferson was also arrested on Friday night for DUI in Scottsdale after side-swiping another vehicle and not stopping.  His blood alcohol content was .156, almost twice the legal limit.

Head coach stated on Monday that Jefferson’s release had nothing to do with his arrest Friday night.  Well, that may be the case but in my opinion it probably made the decision who to cut easier because of what happened.  Jefferson was active for four games this season and did not catch any passes.  Jefferson had done a good job in the preseason but clearly he wasn’t going to be in the future plans.  It was reported a couple of weeks ago the Cards had been looking to upgrade at the tight end position.

Ballard torn his ACL in Super Bowl XLVI a couple of years ago playing for the New York Giants.  He was signed by the New England Patriots prior to last season but missed the entire season and then was cut by the Pats during training camp this year. He had 38 receptions for 604 yards and two touchdowns in his time with the Giants. Hopefully Ballard can come in an immediately help a position that has been a disappointment not only this year but the last couple of years.