Eddie Whitley

Cardinals Release 14 Players, Roster Down To 53

Yesterday, the Cardinals released two notable veterans. Today, the team continued trimming their roster down to 53 players. The moves were officially announced in a press release, and the transactions are listed below:

Released:

Released with injury settlement:

Placed on Injured Reserve:

NFC West Notes: Cardinals, Rams, Thomas

The latest out of the NFC West:

  • Despite his listing right tackle as the Cardinals’ biggest need, ESPN.com’s Josh Weinfuss doesn’t see the team re-signing Eric Winston. The veteran offensive lineman, who was recently elected president of the NFLPA, lacks the durability that the Cardinals need. The team will either look to the draft for an RT, or use Bobby Massie or Bradley Sowell, both of whom played left tackle last season.
  • The Cardinals signed two cornerbacks last week, but that doesn’t mean they won’t add to the position in the first round of the draft, writes Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Neither of the two cornerbacks (LeQuan Lewis and Eddie Whitley) were given a signing bonus, and neither is guaranteed a roster spot. The signings point to the Cardinals’ preference for, in Urban’s words, “a fluid roster.” In terms of the draft, Arizona has been linked to TCU cornerback Jason Verrett.
  • Though the upcoming draft is considered one of the deepest in recent memory, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com wonders how far the Rams can trade down from No. 2 and still land an impact player. Wagoner also notes that simply finding a trade partner could prove difficult if the quarterback-needy teams remain lukewarm on this year’s class of signal-callers.
  • Earl Thomas is still considered first-in-line to get an extension from the Seahawks, and a deal could be struck between now and the draft, writes Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
  • Condotta thinks the Seahawks will draft at least one defensive lineman to replenish the depth they lost during free agency, but also believes that several young players such as Greg Scruggs and Benson Mayowa could be contributors in 2014.
  • Pete Carroll’s extension probably won’t have much of an impact on contract discussions between Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers, notes Bill Williamson of ESPN.com. Carroll had only a lone season remaining on his deal and now has a Super Bowl championship on his résumé , while Harbaugh has two seasons left on his contract, and has not won a title (despite reaching the NFC Championship game in each of his three seasons at the helm).

Cards Sign LeQuan Lewis, Eddie Whitley

TUESDAY, 3:06pm: Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com confirms (via Twitter) that the Cards have signed Lewis, and adds that the team has also inked cornerback Eddie Whitley to a two-year contract. Whitley, a Virginia Tech alum, has yet to appear in an NFL regular-season game.

MONDAY, 10:55pm: The Cardinals will sign cornerback LeQuan Lewis to a two-year deal, tweets Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.

Lewis, 25, entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He has logged time with seven NFL teams, but last took a snap as a member of the Buccaneers in 2012. The contract likely contains a minimum salary, and serves as a chance for Lewis to make the Cardinals this summer, probably as a special-teamer.