Cardinals linebacker and free-agent-to-be Karlos Dansby could wind up in a different uniform next season, but he doesn’t envision that happening. In an interview with SiriusXM (audio link) last night, Dansby said that he expects to remain with the club that originally drafted him in 2004.
“I definitely expect to be an Arizona Cardinal next year,” Dansby said. “We don’t have long here (before free agency) so we’ll get to talking and try and hammer something out.”
The Cardinals want him back as well after he hauled in a career-high four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 6.5 sacks, a career-best 21 passes defended, and 135 total tackles. But, after Dansby made $2.25MM last season, he’ll surely be looking for a pay bump. The Cardinals want to be fiscally responsible going forward and doling out a hefty multi-year deal to a player turning 33 in November wouldn’t fit that gameplan.
Dansby was hit by the franchise tag twice (2008, 2009) during his first stint with the Cardinals. His stay in Arizona was interrupted in 2010 when he inked a five-year, $43MM deal ($22MM guaranteed) with the Dolphins but he returned after being cut loose in March of last year.