The Arizona Cardinals lost their first free agent of the offseason. After signing offensive lineman Adam Snyder, they lost versatile defensive back Richard Marshall to the Miami Dolphins. He agreed to terms on a three-year contract worth $16 million, with $6 million of it guaranteed.
Marshall announced his signing himself on Twitter.
Many believe that this is a blow to the Arizona defense. Defensive coordinator Ray Horton has said that Marshall was the team's defensive MVP, as he was able to play cornerback and also safety.
However, it seems apparent that the team was willing to let him move on. There was never anything mentioned in contract negotiations previous to the start of free agency and Marshall also tweeted that he even called the team himself asking if the Cardinals would match the offer. They were not willing.
Perhaps they have plans for other free agent targets. Perhaps they are comfortable with their current group of corners. They have Patrick Peterson, A.J. Jefferson, Greg Toler will return from a knee injury and Crezdon Butler is coming back from an ankle injury. Michael Adams is also in the mix.
With the coming weeks in free agency and the draft, hopefully the team's plan becomes more clear.
Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.