On Wednesday, free agent outside linebacker Matt Shaughnessy took a trip across the country to visit the New England Patriots.
Shaughnessy obviously had a strong interest in joining the Patriots, a team that annually contends for a Super Bowl title and has some holes on defense that he could help fill.
The Arizona Cardinals, who Shaughnessy played for in 2013, did not want to lose him and made aggressive attempts to re-sign Shaughnessy on Wednesday.
Obviously, Shaughnessy was pleased with what the Cardinals had to say.
According to Kent Somers of AzCentral.com, Shaughnessy is returning to the Cardinals on a two-year deal.
OLB Matt Shaughnessy is re-signing with #azcardinals. 2 year deal.
— Kent Somers (@kentsomers) March 12, 2014
Shaughnessy was originally drafted with the 71st overall pick in the third round pick of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. The former Wisconsin Badger spent the first four years of his career with the Raiders before joining the Cardinals prior to the 2013 season.
Shaughnessy’s best season came in 2010 when he made 56 tackles and had 7.0 sacks.
Last season, Shaughnessy had 36 tackles and 3.0 sacks.