The Arizona Cardinals, while working to retain many of their free agents, are also losing plenty of players, too. They recently cut running back Beanie Wells, cornerback William Gay and linebacker Stewart Bradley. It also appears that they will be saying goodbye to versatile back LaRod Stephens-Howling as well.
Still, there are some guys that they want to keep and have engaged in contract negotiations with. One of those players is pass rushing linebacker, Quentin Groves.
A source close to the situation informed me that the Cardinals are attempting to retain Groves, but will have some competition from other teams around the league. The source indicated to me that the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers are in on Groves, on top of the Browns, which was a team that was previously reported.
Both of the new teams make sense. The 49ers are likely to part ways with former Cardinal Clark Haggans and could use another pass rushing OLB next to Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks. For the Saints, they are in the process of transitioning to a 3-4 defense under Rob Ryan and will need as many pass rushing 3-4 outside linebackers as they can get their hands on.
Sources inform me that Groves would like to be back with the Cardinals, but nothing is set in stone. He will weigh his options in free agency.
If Groves does return, he has a real chance at starting this season under the new coaching regime. Sam Acho struggled at times last season and O'Brien Schofield will be working his way back from an ankle injury.