Familiar faces may be exiting Arizona Cardinals

This offseason, more than others, the Arizona Cardinals will most likely be waving goodbye to mainstays of the organization

A changing of the guard appears to be in play for the 2017 Arizona Cardinals. Players who’ve contributed to the club in the recent past will be thanked for their service, and then shown the exit sign. Such is the cruel reality of life in the National Football League.

There will also be some who will decide to leave on their own. Free agency allows players that a team has seasoned and helped grow the opportunity to seek a better situation. They may depart for more money, or find a place that will afford them more playing time.

One such player is Calais Campbell, a Cardinal through and through who’s been around since 2008. He’s been amazingly consistent on the field with his play, and a true treasure to the community. There’s a decent chance he’ll be playing elsewhere this upcoming season, a scenario which is upsetting to many Arizona fans.

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One of General Manager Steve Keim’s best discoveries was safety Tony Jefferson. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2013, Jefferson has developed into one of the league’s finest defensive backs. He will generate a good amount of interest on the open market, so he also could be wearing another team’s uniform in ’17.

Running back Andre Ellington was one of the first draft picks of the Keim/Bruce Arians regime. His playing time dipped over the past two seasons, due in large part to David Johnson’s arrival. Management may make him an offer to stay, but his return is far from a sure thing.

Offensive lineman Earl Watford is a career backup who, due to injuries, started 10 games last year. But with John Wetzel, Evan Boehm and Cole Toner hanging around, Watford’s days as a Cardinal could be numbered. His versatility will garner him attention from the rest of the NFL.

Outside linebacker Alex Okafor had his best campaign in 2014, when he tallied eight sacks. But injuries and inconsistent play have made him expendable. The acquisition of pass-rushing stud Chandler Jones has also diminished his value to the Cards.

Finally, running back Stepfan Taylor has already made it known that he wants to be somewhere where he’ll have a bigger role on offense. His main value to the Cardinals right now is on special teams. Look for him to take his talents to another city this upcoming year.

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