Arizona Cardinals offseason: Team inks practice squad players to futures contracts

Even though it was the new year, the Arizona Cardinals had a few transactions, according to the league's transaction report.

Nine players that the Cardinals had on their practice squads were signed to futures contracts, meaning that they have simply have been retained for next year. None of these players gained an accrued season, as a player must be on the active roster for at least six games.

The players are center Philip Blake, who was injured for much of the season, receiver Dan Buckner, linebacker Kenny Demens, center Tommy Draheim, tight end Darren Fells, running back Robert Hughes, linebacker Orhian Johnson, defensive tackle Anthony McCloud and linebacker Kenny Rowe.

According to Mike Jurecki, the team really likes Fells, who is fairly new to football. He played basketball in college and is 6-7, 281 pounds. He has a brother, Daniel, who is a tight end for the Patriots.

During the offseason, teams can have 90 players on the roster. These nine players are a good start to bring back players familiar with the staff and system.

Kenny Demens was on the active roster briefly in 2013.

Do you see any of these players having any sort of impact in 2014?