drowland Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d806b084e&template=without-video&confirm=true Cardinals place franchise tag on linebacker Dansby Associated Press TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals have placed the "non-exclusive" franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby, the team said Thursday. The move means Dansby has been offered a one-year deal worth just over $8 million, the average salary of the five highest-paid linebackers in the NFL last season. The Cardinals can continue to negotiate a long-term deal through July 15. If Dansby signs an offer sheet from another team, Arizona can match it or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation. General manager Rod Graves called applying the franchise tag "a formality." "It allows us to retain his rights to some degree and continue to negotiate with him for a long-term deal," Graves told The Associated Press. He said he is optimistic a multiyear agreement can be reached. Graves said he spoke with Dansby's agent Kirk Wood on Thursday. "As I've said before, my discussions with Kirk Wood have been favorable," Graves said. "There was no surprise on either side, and we anticipated it even as far back as a month ago." Dansby led the team in tackles with 117 despite missing two games because of injury. He also had 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound former second-round pick moved from outside linebacker to inside under new coach Ken Whisenhunt last season to make better use of his speed and playmaking ability. A second-round draft pick out of Auburn in 2004, Dansby has 382 tackles in 58 NFL games. The Cardinals were reluctant to sign Dansby to an extension before last season because of his history of injuries, but were not going to allow him to leave after his strong 2007 season. The Cardinals last used their franchise tag in 2002 on safety Kwame Lassiter. Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. S Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 Good for them, him, Bertrand Berry, and Adrian Wilson have been great players for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDawg Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 Excellent move.. They are extremely talented defensively... Antrel Rolle, Karlos Dansby, Darnell Dockett, Adrian Wilson, Bert Berry, Eric Green, on and on and on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apickmans Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 isnt Eric Green a FA?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forehead Posted February 16, 2008 Share Posted February 16, 2008 Arizona often has linebackers with great stats; historically it's been because they're always on the field. I seem to remember a guy they had a few seasons back; I think his name was McKinnon. He went through a few seasons getting 100+ tackles each year. I remember thinking the guy was really good, then just realizing it was because he was out there so much. Dansby on the other hand is a natural out there. If he wasn't franchised, this is the sort of free agent I'd prefer to see our regime go after. Younger, faster, free agents rather than established vets. who might only have a few seasons left in them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitman#21 Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 I really like him and dont mind that hes still on the Cards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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