Arizona Cardinals Improve With Release of Stewart Bradley, William Gay

Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals linebacker Stewart Bradley (55) against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It came as absolutely no shock to me that the Arizona Cardinals cut linebacker Stewart Bradley on Friday.  Also cut was cornerback William Gay, who had a sub par season in 2012.  I was not sure what the Cards were going to do with him, however I completely agree with the move.  Gay was more of a liability than of assistance.  The official reason given for both of them being cut was to save cap space.  While that is also very true, it is the fact their production was so bad, the Cards couldn’t justify paying them all that money.

Bradley had all of nine tackles in 2012.  Nine.  That’s only nine more than I had and I came nowhere near a football field last season.  Bradley never fit the defensive scheme.  He was just a guy who was taking up a roster spot.  I applauded his signing two years ago.  It just never worked out for him.  Bradley had seven of his nine tackles in the last game of the season alone.

As for Gay, it is another former Pittsburgh Steeler failing in Arizona.  Gay came with a little fanfare, however it was timid fanfare given the Cards inability to grab anyone from Pittsburgh that could produce on a consistent basis. Gay was consistently beaten on deep pass plays.  It was enough to drive you crazy game in and game out.  He had his moments, however the shake-your-head moments most definitely out-gained the oh-my-goodness moments.  I give the Cardinals two thumbs up for these moves.