Arizona Cardinals Stay Active, Signing Two More Free Agents

by Hawkwind on Mar 19, 2009 4:15 PM MDT

The Arizona Cardinals front office is staying very busy these days. In the past four days they've signed running back Jason Wright, outside linebackers Clark Haggans and Bertrand Berry, offensive lineman Elton Brown and they added two more players today, tight end Anthony Becht and center Donovan Raiola.

Anthony Becht has ties to Ken Whisenhunt becuase Whiz was the tight ends coach on the Jets team that made Becht a first round pick in 2000. He's since bounced from the Jets to the Bucs and ended up with the Rams for the 2008 season. At this point in his career he's not much more than a third offensive tackle (as you'd guess by his size 6'5 280) but he's an accomplished blocker and will be the teams best blocking tight end. His signing does give the Cardinals five tight ends on the roster (Pope, Patrick, Shor and Spach) so someone could be cut rather quickly.

Donovan Railoa doesn't have quite the pedigree of Becht though. He was undrafted in 2006 and has never appeared in an NFL game. In his three seasons he's spent time with the Rams, Steelers and Seahawks and he's best known for having an older brother (Dominic) who's the starting center for the Lions. Railoa (6'2 293) was a three year starter at Wisconsin where scouts described him as nasty, mobile blocker who didn't play with the power that he displayed in the weight room.

---------------------------------------------------------

Both players agreed to one year deals which isn't surprising, but also makes them easy to cut if they don't work out in training camp. Becht should have a decent shot at making the roster, especially if Spach isn't ready to go by the start of the season, but Railoa would appear to be a long-shot at best. Do you like the signings?

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Good moves. They are Cardinal-esk.

Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Mar 19, 2009 4:54 PM MDT reply actions

I like the TE

The backup Center may just be a trial and insurance in case a Center doesn’t show up in the draft.

Five TE’s does raise an eye brow. I’m thinking someone gets cut, and it’s not going to be Pope or Spach. So Patrick or Shor are going to need to work hard to stay on the roster.

by CardsFan08 on Mar 19, 2009 6:51 PM MDT reply actions

actually I think patrick has a better chance than pope.

by hevchv on Mar 19, 2009 8:18 PM MDT up reply actions

The Cards must see something in what they got.

Spach is still recovering but I really think he can come back and be the top TE on the team next year. Either way, this is obvious they won’t draft a TE.

Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Mar 19, 2009 10:18 PM MDT up reply actions

Yes, take TE off your board unless something unexpected happens. Becht, Spach, and Patrick is my guess at this point for the 53-man roster. Spach may be PUP in training camp and be Pope’s chance to make a statement.

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Mar 20, 2009 10:36 AM MDT up reply actions