Arizona Cardinals: Give Rucker another year
By Scott Allen
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Frostee Rucker is one of many free agents about to hit the market
Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Frostee Rucker should be one of the team’s free agent priorities should Calais Campbell end up elsewhere. They should give him serious consideration to returning even if CC does return.
Rucker made an appearance in 13 games in 2016 but played sparingly. He only started one game. He is currently 33-years-old, will turn 34 right after the 2017 season begins.
As the Cardinals prepare for likely just one more run to the Super Bowl with quarterback Carson Palmer and receiver Larry Fitzgerald, they should being Rucker along for the ride as well on a one-year deal.
Over the previous two seasons prior to 2016, Rucker had eight sacks. He came to Arizona in 2013 the year head coach Bruce Arians arrived.
Rucker was coming off one of his best seasons to date with the Cleveland Browns. He spent one season there after spending the first five with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now, he has a chance to finish his career with the Cardinals. Of course the question will be how much of a paycut will Rucker take to stay? He wants to be here. He had a $2.1 million contract in 2016.
The Cardinals need Rucker’s experience whether it is as a backup or starter. It also helps you have a guy with experience, knows the team well, and wants to be here.
Rucker would likely cost a lot less than bringing in someone new. However there is still the chance the Cardinals will not want to pay what he asks for.
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The Cardinals must decide which guys they want to keep in Arizona. Although most of the free agency talk has centered around safety Tony Jefferson and CC, hopefully the Cardinals will not forget Rucker come time when players hit the market in March.