The Arizona Cardinals released defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, who has been with them since 2004.
The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly released long-time defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, who has spent 11 years with the team. Dockett was drafted by the Cardinals out of Florida State in the third round of the 2004 NFL draft, and today he says goodbye to the team that drafted him.
Cardinals announce release of Darnell Dockett. Had a great run with the #BirdGang
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 27, 2015
The Arizona Cardinals came into the offseason with the tall task of re-signing their two longest tenured players in Dockett and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. After they signed Fitzgerald to a large contract, it was clear that they were going to have to give Dockett less than what he wanted. While Arizona is cutting Dockett, if he tests the market and decides he doesn’t like what he sees, Arizona still has an interest in re-signing the three-time Pro Bowler.
Can confirm @NBCdianna report Cards will cut Dockett. AZ retains interest in re-signing him at lower rate once he sees what his market is
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 27, 2015
And the Cardinals stand to save a substantial amount of money by cutting Dockett.
#AZCardinals will save $6.8 million in cap space by releasing Dockett.
— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) February 27, 2015
Darnell Dockett tweeted this out earlier this week, showing that maybe he doesn’t mind leaving Arizona and that he expected it, but he says it won’t affect him.
No matter the logo Im gonna win that comeback player of the year....
— DARNELL DOCKETT (@ddockett) February 23, 2015
Darnell Dockett is now 34 and missed the 2014 season with an ACL injury, so it may not be so weird that the Cardinals ask him to take a pay cut, but it seems that a pay decrease is not in his, or his agent (Drew Rosenhaus) best interests.
We’ll keep you posted as Dockett looks for a new home.
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