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The Arizona Cardinals announced roster move on Tuesday. They released linebacker Victor Butler, whom they had signed only two weeks ago.
Butler did not appear in any game, and he was inactive for the only game the Cardinals played since his signing.
Darren Urban speculates that the return of linebacker Alex Okafor from a thigh injury that has held him back since the start of the season is the reason for the release. A healthy Okafor means they have five outside linebackers -- Matt Shaughnessy, Sam Acho, Okafor, Thomas Keiser and Lorenzo Alexander (who bounces from inside to outside linebacker on the roster). Rookie Kareem Martin has also been getting playing time at outside linebacker on passing downs as well.
The team has been searching for someone to step up and give the defense a pass rushing threat. They have not gotten that yet. Okafor was praised numerous times over the offseason for his ability to get to the quarterback, but such talk cooled once the pads went on in training camp.
To replace Butler, the team announced Wednesday it had re-signed linebacker Desmond Bishop, who was with the team for part of training camp.
Bishop (6-2, 244) originally signed with the Cardinals on August 14, but was released on September 6. He is a seven-year NFL veteran who played six seasons with Green Bay before playing in four games (one start) with Minnesota in 2013. Bishop originally entered the NFL with the Packers as a sixth-round pick (192nd overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft out of California. In 2011, he led the Packers and set career-highs with 142 tackles (109 solos) and five sacks.
For his career, Bishop has played in 73 games (27 starts) and has 318 tackles (230 solos), nine sacks, seven forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception.
Bishop will wear jersey #52.
Desmond Bishop said he was just about to take the field, cleats and all, for a workout in Miami when his agent called to say AZ signed him.
— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) October 1, 2014