Bruce Arians on Karlos Dansby: ‘We definitely would love to have him back’
Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Karlos Dansby (56) interacts with the crowd during the third quarter against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the rams 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals most important impending free agent this offseason is undoubtedly veteran inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, who is one of the more underrated players at his position. However, Dansby doesn’t seem to underrate himself, as he’s rejected multiple deals from the Cardinals this offseason and seems to be looking for top dollar in one final payday at the age of 32. Even though he isn’t getting any younger, his play hasn’t noticeably declined, and he certainly made the Miami Dolphins regret letting him go last offseason before reuniting with the Cards.
Both the Cardinals and Dansby are still in talks, but it’s unclear how things will progress as we draw closer to the March 11 deadline before all impending free agents officially hit the free agent waters. The Cardinals have already identified veteran ILB D’Qwell Jackson, who was released earlier this week by the Cleveland Browns, as a “Plan B” option, and he would be a solid replacement for Dansby. But make no mistake, Dansby is better and the guy the Cards want to keep around.
Appearing Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Doug and Wolf, Cardinals head coach stated, via ArizonaSports.com’s Vince Marotta, “There’s no doubt — we offered Karlos a contract the day after the season ended. We’re still in the negotiating process, but he’s a major part because of what he brought to the table for us as a leader.
“We definitely would love to have him back.”
Call me cynical, but the fact that Dansby still hasn’t accepted a deal from the Cardinals after months of negotiations tells me that he’s dead set on checking out his free agent value. I also have a feeling he’ll be disappointed by what the market holds and will end up re-signing with the Cards to continue his position as Daryl Washington’s partner on one of the league’s best inside linebacker groups. Last season, Dansby recorded 121 tackles with four interceptions, six sacks, and whopping 19 passes defended, so maybe his market will be as good as he expects it to be. I mean, who cares about his age? He’s one of the best ILBs in the game, especially when you look at his all-around ability.