Larry Foote is on the Arizona Cardinals coaching staff right now. It might or might not stay that way. Given a spot on the staff back in February, he could still play if he wants in 2015, but has to make a decision by the time first cuts come around after the third week of the preseason, when teams have to trim their rosters down to 75 players.
As of right now, Foote says the odds he plays are still "50-50."
"Draft, what happens with Daryl Washington, stuff like that, how my knee feels (after offseason surgery)," Foote said via AZCardinals.com about the factors that will influence his decision. "I'll sit down with B.A. and the next couple of months are really going to be the deciding factor."
Foote is enjoying coaching, but joked he has to start a diet because of the snacking and sitting around.
Staying as a coach is what most expect him to do, but if his knee feels better, you never know. However, it sounds like Foote's decision will be more about what is better for the Cardinals.
First, his knee will have to feel good. Then, he would have to be a better option than the guys on the roster.
Arizona already added Sean Weatherspoon in free agency. They could draft an inside linebacker, and many believe it is a position the team will address. Daryl Washington has applied for reinstatement from his substance abuse suspension, although he is still expected to miss time even after reinstatement because of pending league discipline under the personal conduct policy. Kevin Minter is still in the mix.
Foote would be a valuable addition in either role. If he ends up playing again, he likely would not have to play nearly as much. He missed Week 17 with a knee injury, but in the other 16 games, including the playoff loss to the Panthers, he only missed one defensive snap.
Would you rather he stay as a coach or have him return to the roster in 2015?