Inked: TE John Carlson To Sign With Arizona Cardinals

Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday it was reported that free agent tight end John Carlson, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks, visited the Arizona Cardinals.  Both sides apparently liked what they saw and today it was reported that Carlson will sign a two-year contract with Cards.

This takes care of one of the several position needs the Cards have focused on going into this offseason.  The Cards have not been happy with the production of Rob Housler or really with anyone in that position.  Housler has been a little bit of a disappointment.  He has just been too inconsistent.  Head coach Bruce Arians has said he wants a tight end that can block first then catch.  Carlson can catch but hasn’t always been known as a great blocking back.  Whatever he did in the visit though was enough for the Cards to say yes.

What this means for Housler or Jake Ballard who knows?  I can see the Cards holding onto one of them but not both.  Ballard didn’t do much either but seem to put in the same amount of production in a shorter amount of time.  I also could see them not holding on to either and deciding to draft a tight end as well, although I would now rule out a tight end in the first round.