Arizona Cardinals: Likelihood that free agents return

Defensive End Frostee Rucker

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Frostee Rucker has been a mainstay on the defensive line, since joining the team as a free agent in 2013. Though Rucker’s play at the position has never approached an All Pro level, he has offered a stable, veteran presence at the position.

With Campbell’s likely departure, it seems the Cardinals would benefit from Rucker’s continued veteran presence. It seems unlikely that Rucker will receive any particularly lucrative offers from other teams, so re-signing him could be an affordable option for the Cardinals.

The bigger question could be whether or not Rucker opts for retirement. Unfortunately, age and the NFL grind have taken a toll on Rucker, who will turn 34 during the 2017 NFL season.

If he wants to return – and it does appear that this is the case – the odds are that the Cardinals will be able to re-sign him for a modest, one-year contract. It is possible, however, that the Cardinals could look to younger players like Robert Nkemdiche, Josh Mauro, Rodney Gunter, and/or a yet-to-be-determined free agent, in order to fill the gaps left by Campbell and Rucker.

Likelihood of returning: 60 percent