Aug. 24, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Arizona Cardinals defensive end Frostee Rucker against the San Diego Chargers during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive end Frostee Rucker was resigned by the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday. The return of Rucker was sealed when the Cards resigned the veteran as one of their first moves of the free agency.
The 30-year-old, 6-foot-3-inch, 280-pound lineman enters his ninth year in the NFL and will continue to add experience to the defense, especially with the loss of linebacker Karlos Dansby to the Cleveland Browns.
Ironically the Cards acquired Rucker from the Browns when former defensive coordinator Ray Horton was hired to the same position in Cleveland last year. Horton was recently hired to be the Tennessee Titans DC, reuniting him with former Cards head coach Ken Whisenhunt.
Rucker fit into a leadership role nicely when he signed with the Bird Gang last year. In 2013 Rucker played all 16 games and started one. His 11 tackles and one sack were not the only contribution to the team as he is a mentor to the younger players as well. Rucker brings a positive presence to the locker room and has a quality reputation among his teammates.
The seasoned DE signed a $2.4 million two-year contract with $600,000 guaranteed, according to ESPN.com reporter Josh Weinfuss.