Arizona Cardinals: 5 players who got offers this week

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Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Josh Mauro (97) runs onto the field for the start of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Josh Mauro, defensive tackle

Mauro is a guy that worked very hard to get to where he is. He was signed this week by the Cardinals as an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he will stay with the team and no other team can offer him a contract.

After impressing in training camp, he ended up playing in 14 games, starting four of them, in 2015. As a backup, Mauro had 16 tackles in 2015. He also had one pass defensed and one sack. He is a player still developing and it appears the Cardinals recognize that.

Mauro could eventually develop into a starter but the depth chart at defensive tackle is reliant on the health of the players. It would not be surprising to see the Cardinals add another defensive tackle in either the draft or in free agency, which would push Mauro even more to continue to improve.

Next: A tight end returns from injury

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