The Arizona Cardinals have said that bringing back free agent linebacker Karlos Dansby was a priority this offseason. Dansby has said that he wants to be paid what he is worth. After a lot of talk about getting him re-signed, it appears that he will test the market in free agency.
According to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic, the team offered Dansby a two-year contract worth between $10-12 million. He intends to test the market now.
To give some context, linebacker D'Qwell Jackson recently signed a four-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts worth $22 million, or $5.5 million per season. Dansby, who is two years older than the 30-year old Jackson, is clearly a better player, feels like he should be paid more.
So unless something happens between now and Tuesday 1 PM Arizona time, Dansby will be able to see what the market bears.
There will be interest, According to Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean, the Tennessee Titans will be in the mix for Dansby's services. Dansby played under Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt in Arizona from 2007-2009.
What Arizona hopes Dansby will do if he gets a better offer is that he will give the Cardinals a chance to match an offer he gets.
If Dansby signs elsewhere, Arizona will be left with Daryl Washington and 2013 second round draft pick Kevin Minter at inside linebacker. The team recently cut Jasper Brinkley, so the team will seek for more depth. They also have Kenny Demens on the roster as well, but losing Dansby would create a void. The team is high on Minter, but he has not proven anything yet in the pros and he is not the same type of all-around linebacker that Dansby is.
What will it take to lock up Dansby? More than two years? More money in the two years of the proposed deal? More guaranteed money?