Jermaine Gresham Re-signed by Arizona Cardinals
By Jeremy Meek
The Arizona Cardinals signed tight end Jermaine Gresham to a deal
One of the positions that the Arizona Cardinals were certain to address this off-season was the tight end position. With Jermaine Gresham entering free agency, and no other proven guy on the roster, it was a big need. That need has been filled, as Gresham will be returning.
As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gresham his agreed to a four year contract to re-sign with the Cardinals. The dollar amount of the deal hasn’t been announced.
Cardinals and TE Jermaine Gresham have reached agreement on a four-year deal, per sources. One TE off the market.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2017
Gresham was a first round draft pick on the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. During his time there, he averaged 56 receptions, 544 yards, and 5 touchdowns per season. Once the Bengals drafted Tyler Eifert, it became apparent that his days were numbered, and he entered free agency.
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In 2015, Gresham signed a free agent deal with the Cardinals, where he joined Carson Palmer, himself a former Bengal. In the two seasons he has spent in the desert, his production has been down from his Cincinnati days. He had 37 catches for 391 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2016.
Gresham signed a one-year contract last season worth about $3.5 million. Despite the fact that he doesn’t put up big numbers, he fits the Cardinals offense well. He’s a solid blocker, and catches the ball well when asked. Rather than bring in a new tight end, and try to develop him, Arizona decided to keep up with continuity, and rewarded Gresham with a long-term contract.
The Cardinals are looking to return to the playoffs, and potentially be championship contenders again in 2017. They still have a lot of free agents to deal with, so bringing back a veteran where they can makes sense. If he stays healthy, and does what’s asked of him, a four-year contract will have been a good signing.