Arizona Cardinals Expect To Be a Factor In Free Agency
By Scott Allen
Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) intercepts a pass and runs it back for a 22 yard touchdown during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
When Steve Keim took over the general manager’s job for the Arizona Cardinals last season I think we all had an idea it would be for more than just show. After all he was the one who wanted to draft Adrian Peterson instead of Levi Brown. Sometimes though the bark can be worse than the bite. However after comments Keim made to azcardinals.com this week, it would seem Keim is full steam ahead on free agency this season. something you would never have heard former general manager Rod Graves say.
The Cards have some of their own guys they need to take a look at. Guys like kicker Jay Feely, offensive lineman Eric Winston, and especially linebacker Karlos Dansby. Of those three biggest free agents, Dansby would be the guy I’d sign for whatever he’s asking for. No doubt he revitalized his career last season. Now, I’m concerned with some comments he made the other day regarding accepting Michael Sam into the locker room but I think it is safe to say that they won’t hurt him in any negotiations in re-signing with the Cards.
Other guys like Feely and Winston I would love to see stay but at what cost? There are other guys that they can get if the asking price for those two gets too high. Same can be said for running back Rashard Mendenhall. He wasn’t the bust many expected him to be but he also wasn’t any type of savior that came in and saved the running game of the Cards. It’ll be interesting to see what the Cards decide on him. For Keim to come out and publicly acknowledge that the Cards are going to be aggressive in free agency, he’s going to have to back it up with action. We’ll see.