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5 free-agent signing mistakes by the Arizona Cardinals

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Bradford #9 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to make a pass during the game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Bradford #9 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to make a pass during the game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 10: Running back Rashard Mendenhall #28 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled bylinebacker Whitney Mercilus #59 and safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Houston Texans at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 10, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals won 27-24. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 10: Running back Rashard Mendenhall #28 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled bylinebacker Whitney Mercilus #59 and safety D.J. Swearinger #36 of the Houston Texans at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 10, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals won 27-24. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

Rashard Mendenhall

Speaking of a former Steelers running back, Mendenall came to Arizona with high expectations.  After very good seasons in 2009-2011 with the Steelers, two of which saw him finish over 1000-yards rushing and another just missing the mark, he had a sub-par 2012 season.

Coming off a shortened 2012 season of just six games, the Steelers had no more interest in him.  The Cardinals did.  He came to Arizona where he played in just one season, also his last in the NFL.

In 2013, he signed a one-year contract with the team.  Good thing too.  He carried the ball 217 times for just 687-yards, a 3.2 yard-per-carry average, though he did rush for eight touchdowns.

After the season however, he decided to retire.  He was no longer interested in playing football.

Free agent options remain for Cardinals. dark. Next

While it is nice to see a player walk off on his own terms to pursue other interests, one has to wonder if performance really had anything to do with it? Either way, it was another free agent running back bust added to the list.

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