The Arizona Cardinals are a team that was bad all over on offense last season. Everyone tends to complain about the play of the quarterback, but the running game was no better. The Cards were dead last in total rushing yards, getting just 1,204 last season. Beanie Wells was on the PUP list for most of the year, Ryan Williams was on IR and the team was left with LaRod Stephens-Howling, an undersized back, and William Powell to do much of their running.
Because of that, the Cardinals will probably try to fix that position this offseason. That could start with Saints restricted free agent running back, Chris Ivory. Mike Jurecki of XTRA 910 claims that the Cardinals do have interest in the 24 year old former undrafted free agent, but it could very well depend on what the Saints decide to do with him.
Saints beat writer Larry Holder says that Ivory is expecting to get tendered by the Saints, but isn't sure at what level. Jurecki had this to say on the situation.
According 2 NOLA .com RB Chris Ivory 2 likely choices a 2nd rd tender 2.023 or no compensation tender 1.323, Saints R struggling w/ the cap.
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) March 4, 2013
Obviously, if the Cards want Ivory, they are hoping for the latter tender. That way, they would not have to relinquish any picks to the Saints and could sign Ivory outright. If he receives a 2nd round tender, I highly doubt the Cardinals would continue their pursuit of him.
Ivory rushed for 217 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 40 attempts last season, good for an average of 5.4 yards per carry. He could immediately come in and start or be the second string running back and allow the Cards to cut Beanie Wells, who is on the last year of his rookie deal.
What do you think? If Ivory is tendered, what is the highest pick you would give up to get him? Should the Cards even pursue him at all? Tell us in the comments section below.