Arizona Cardinals: 20 players on bubble for 2018

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Defensive end Frostee Rucker #92 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Defensive end Frostee Rucker #92 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Frostee Rucker

Rucker is about to finish his 12th NFL season, his fifth in Arizona.  He has remained healthy enough to play and start in every game this season.

This is after Rucker played in 13 games last season but started just one.  He already has out produced his 2016 season with 25 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

General manager Steve Keim though talked about changes coming.  This is an area the Cardinals may want to get younger and faster at.  Rucker will turn 35 in September.

It could be difficult to rid of a veteran like Rucker though.  Certainly his first two seasons in Arizona in 2013 and 2014 were his best seasons, not only with the Cardinals but in his career.

Those days may be gone though.  It would be a minor surprise to see him return in 2018.  That being said, it wouldn’t be an issue if he did return.  It would be all a matter if the Cardinals are ready to turn younger here.

Return in 2018 prediction: No

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