Cardinals linebacker Larry Foote is a free agent this offseason, and his future is uncertain.
Foote was signed by the Cardinals this past offseason, after being cut by the Steelers to provide Pittsburgh with additional cap space. After being released by the Steelers last March, Foote was adamant that he was not considering retirement.
As a free agent, the 35-year old linebacker will face a similar decision. There is a chance the Cardinals will want him back on another short term deal, or he could explore other options across the league.
If he does decide to retire, the Cardinals could elect to keep him in Arizona on the coaching staff, reports Kent Somers of AZCentral.com (via Twitter).
Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has long familiarity with Foote going back to their time together in Pittsburgh. Arians had coached offense for his entire career in Pittsburgh, joining the Steelers’ staff following the 2003 season. Foote was already becoming established in Pittsburgh after being selected as a fourth-round pick in 2002.
Foote was released by the Steelers after the 2008 season, spending a year with the Lions before returning to Pittsburgh before the 2010 season. Arians coordinated the Steelers’ offense until accepting the same position with the Colts before the 2012 season.
Foote would make a great linebackers coach for AZ if he decides to retire.