May 10, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals guard Jonathan Cooper (61) fends off Cardinals defensive end Everrette Thompson (72) during rookie minicamp at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals had a spectacular draft, and they want to benefit from the production of all of their newest additions. To do that, they will need to get everyone locked up as soon as possible.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they still have players to sign.
According to Revenge of the Birds, the Cardinals still need to sign Jonathan Cooper, Alex Okafor and Earl Watford. All of these players will see the field and make impacts in 2013, so the Cardinals want to lock them up. Cooper has the potential to completely change the fortunes of a suffering offensive line, which should enable him to garner a good amount of money.
Okafor registered 12.5 sacks in 2012 with the Texas Longhorns, and he has the potential to take over a game. Watford isn’t likely to make a huge impact as a rookie, but he adds needed depth to the offensive line.
Arizona wants to lift this weight off their back, and it can do so by signing Cooper, Watford and Okafor. To keep these players, especially Cooper, happy and motivated for training camp, finishing a deal would be the best option.
In other words, the Cardinals would benefit from getting a contract done as soon as possible.