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Is Stephen Tulloch an option for Arizona Cardinals?

By Johnathan Henson

Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) tackles St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) tackles St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Arizona Cardinals being almost set to take off for training camp could inside linebacker be an option for a camp addition?

With Stephen Tulloch recently being released, a lot of fans started to ponder his future. Where could this 100 tackle per season type of player go to next? I think this is the most reasonable player out there that the Cards should explore. I’ll explain why.

Ever since the Cardinals drafted Kevin Minter, they envisioned him being able to develop certain aspects of his game. He wasn’t very good in pass coverage in college, but the Cardinals knew he was one of the best run-tackling inside linebackers available in the 2013 draft. They thought he may develop his coverage skills, but he still hasn’t been able to develop those qualities.

I think Minter is still a player that the Cardinals would love to have on this team, but more in run situations. I look at the attributes of Stephen Tulloch and think that it’s almost too good to be true. Last year when the Cards played the Detroit Lions in Detroit, he was one of the few defensive players who stepped up during the second half of the game.

He was able to sniff out runs, but because of the lack of talent on the defensive line, he became vulnerable. If Tulloch were to be placed on a team with a solid defensive line, he is a good roaming linebacker. Placing him in zone over the middle is very ideal for his skill set, and you don’t need him to be following receivers when you have Deone Bucannon.

The difference between Minter and Tulloch is slight, Tulloch isn’t going to keep up with tight ends or wide receivers, place him over top on a running back, and he can be a 3-down linebacker.

The price tag might be the problem though, how much are you willing to pay Tulloch? I’d say if he were to sign with the Cardinals, who currently have a lower budget for an estimated cap, it would be a for a low-risk prove-it deal. They have around $153,335,091, only $1,664,909 in cap space remaining.

Meaning if Tulloch were to sign, it would need to be around $900,000 this year. It might be worthwhile because of the “win-now” perspective. According to a report, Chris Culliver, formerly of the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers, is meeting with the Cardinals brass this week. This could be a signing that makes other signings very futile.

Unless the Cards were able to work out a cap saving deal with Calais Campbell, it just seems that one more acquisition will be made, but we will see. Keep your eyes on raisingzona.com for any news or updates on Cardinals signings.

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