Tight Move: John Carlson Visits Arizona Cardinals

Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) rushes with the football as Green Bay Packers linebacker Brad Jones (59) defends during overtime at Lambeau Field. The Vikings and Packers tied 26-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

For the better past of the past two months I’ve talked about the Arizona Cardinals need for a tight end.  It is a position many, including myself, expect the Cards to address in the offseason.  Now whether it is through the draft or free agency, we’ll see, however it all starts with free agency next week.  The Cards have their first visitor.

Tight end John Carlson, most recently with the Minnesota Vikings and also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, visited with the Cards today.  The former Notre Dame standout is a guy I think the Cards could use.  Head coach Bruce Arians has maintained he wants tight ends that block first, however it doesn’t hurt to have a guy that can catch as well.  Carlson fits the mold more of a receiver but could be an upgrade over what the Cards currently have.

He really has been off the radar though as far as tight ends go since his early days in Seattle.  He had 32 receptions for 344 yards and just one touchdown in 2013.  He’s been slowed by injury over the previous three seasons.  I think though that the Cards may be ready to move on past Rob Housler.  Housler has been very inconsistent to say the least.

There was no word on how the visit went and we aren’t likely to know anymore until free agency opens next Tuesday.  As I always say, stay tuned.