Frostee Rucker Will Be Returning to Arizona Cardinals
By Jeremy Meek
The Arizona Cardinals have decided to bring back veteran defensive end Frostee Rucker
The career of defensive end Frostee Rucker has been tied to that of Carson Palmer for a majority of Rucker’s time in the NFL. They were teammates in Cincinnati from 2007-2010, then they both joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2013. It seems as though that will be the case for at least one more season.
With Calais Campbell off to other pastures, there have been fair questions about both the quality and the depth of the defensive line. With the announcement that Rucker is returning to the Cardinals, the team hopes they have helped address that.
Rucker had no sacks in 2016, the first time that has happened since 2007, which was his first year on the field. He played in 13 games, and provides leadership to the defense. For his part, he seems happy to be back.
All I ever wanted was a chance today I got another one! Here's to a healthy , strong and dominating #Year12 #AzCardinals #TustinUp #FightOn pic.twitter.com/Gron1k1CPW
— Frostee Rucker (@theorganicfrost) March 17, 2017
The veteran joins a defensive end rotation which will include Josh Mauro, Rodney Gunter, Ed Stinson, and Robert Nkemdiche. It’s a young group, so having Rucker’s experience could prove to be valuable. He probably won’t start, but is certain to find himself on the field plenty.
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The Cardinals could still yet use some help on the defensive line. Free agency has created several needs, even bigger needs, but they could address the defensive line at some point during the NFL Draft. Right now, there is no sure thing at either defensive end spot.
Rucker returns on a one-year deal, with only time deciding whether or not it will be his last contract. The Cardinals would love to gear up for one last run at a championship with Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald. Rucker would like to win one too, and he’s joined up with Palmer one more time to do it.