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One of the biggest free agent pickups in 2013 was linebacker Karlos Dansby. He was signed late in the free agent period as insurance for Daryl Washington, who was suspended for the first four weeks of the season. However, Dansby turned out to be the defense's best player.
It goes without saying that the team would like to have him return, as he was on a one-year deal.
In an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Dansby indicated that he expects to be back in Arizona for 2014.
"I definitely expect to be an Arizona Cardinal next year," he said.
However, he did apply some subtle pressure. "We don't have long here, so I guess we'll get to talking and try to hammer something out and see how it goes," he added.
That sounds like a man who is not afraid to test the market after a career season. It sounds like for his return, a deal would need to happen before free agency begins on March 11.
Arizona is a great situation for him, as he was able to perform at a high level and play for a winning team. It is a priority for him.
"Definitely want to be in a winning situation at this point in my career," he emphasized. However, the Cardinals aren't the only winning team out there.
He continues to have high goals and expects to have another big season.
"I'm just getting started," he explained. "I've got some things up my sleeve that I'll be doing this offseason to really solidify myself as the best linebacker in the league period. I let it slip through my fingers last season. I won't let it happen again."
He let it slip through his fingers...he must be referring to those missed interceptions.
In all seriousness, in my books he was one of the best defensive players in the entire league.
Hopefully he is right and he and the team come together on something reasonable and beneficial for both sides. With the possibility of missing Daryl Washington (he could be facing league discipline for his legal issues off the field), Dansby is guy most fans believe the team must keep around if they are trying to make a run a a championship.
