Arizona Cardinals: 5 bold predictions for 2017

Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (92) pose after a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (92) pose after a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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January 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) is brought down by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) is brought down by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) during the first half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Calais Campbell will be a Cardinal in 2017

Many have speculated that the Cardinals free agency decision regarding Calais Campbell will come down to between him and linebacker Chandler Jones.  That is definitely a possibility.

On Monday, Arians indicated the Cardinals would have Jones back next season.  Jones said on Sunday that he loves Arizona.  So it sounds like a mutual decision in his case.

So what about Campbell?  Campbell finished off his season like a monster.  He finished the season with eight sacks and six passes defensed.

Campbell also had two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and an interception. He also had his first career touchdown in December on a fumble recovery.

There will be teams that will come at him with money.  That’s almost a guarantee.  The Cardinals will make a pitch but will it be enough to entice him to stay.  The money the Cardinals offer likely will beaten by someone else.

Given his time with Arizona and the way things finished out in 2016, I do see Campbell returning to the Cardinals for less pay.  He certainly wouldn’t be the first player to do it.

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