Arizona Cardinals could use Frostee Rucker’s experience
By Jim Koch
The departure in free agency of mainstay Calais Campbell has left the Arizona Cardinals’ defensive line devoid of a leader
When the Arizona Cardinals allowed defensive end Calais Campbell to leave, they lost more than just a superb player. Besides his yearly production on the field, they also lost someone their young defensive lineman could learn from.
But Campbell has also had help in that department for the last four years. Frostee Rucker joined Arizona in 2013 and immediately provided his own brand of guidance. But, like Campbell, he could also be fleeing the desert.
Rucker is also an unrestricted free agent, and it’s not known whether or not he’s been offered a contract from the Cardinals. The 33-year old’s play took a nosedive last season, so that may be the reason they aren’t jumping at the chance to re-sign him. But perhaps general manager Steve Keim should think again.
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The team does have 28-year old Corey Peters on the roster. The Cards’ nose tackle has been in the NFL since 2010, and is entering his third year with Arizona. But after losing the entire 2015 campaign due to a torn Achilles tendon, his only time on the field as a Cardinal was last season.
Ed Stinson is 27, but just hasn’t played enough to assume a leadership role. The same could be said for 26-year old Josh Mauro, though many believe that 2017 could be his “coming out” party. The rest of the line consists of a bunch of inexperience.
Rodney Gunter (25), Xavier Williams (25), Olsen Pierre (25) and Robert Nkemdiche (22) are the rest of the inexperienced. Gunter did replace Peters in ’15, and got some valuable starts during his rookie year.
Rucker was a key contributor to Arizona’s defense in both 2014 and ’15. He racked up 52 tackles and eight sacks during those campaigns. But last year, in 13 appearances, he tallied just 13 tackles and zero sacks.
As of this writing, there’ve been no reported free agent visits for Rucker. It’s possible that Keim may be able to bring back the veteran for a reasonable price. There’s a batch of youngsters in Arizona’s defensive line room who would certainly welcome his return.