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The Arizona Cardinals added another linebacker to the roster on Tuesday, signing veteran linebacker Larry Foote to a one-year contract, according to reports.
Foote himself broke the news on Twitter.
Foote played only part of one game last season, suffering a season-ending biceps tear in Week 1. In that one game, he had eight tackles. He is entering his 13th season in the league and was still quite productive two seasons ago, when he logged over 120 tackles and had four sacks.
For the Cardinals, the third time was a charm. They tried to add him in 2009 as a free agent before he signed with the Lions. The Cardinals eventually signed Paris Lenon. Foote also again in 2010, when he decided to return to the Steelers.
The addition of Foote will give the Cardinals needed veteran leadership at inside linebacker. The group consisted of Daryl Washington and a bunch of guys who either had not seen the field or barely saw reps on defense before. Veteran Lorenzo Alexander was moved to inside linebacker, but is expected to be more of a special teams guy.
Foote will likely be used for depth, but if Daryl Washington is suspended any period of time, which most expect to happen after his guilty plea related to a situation with his child's mother, Foote can step in and start in his place.
Many wonder if the addition of Foote might affect the Cards' plans for the draft. If they hold true to their draft board, then that likely won't happen. However, drafting a player like C.J. Mosley or Ryan Shazier might make the position a little crowded in terms of playing time.
Is the signing a good thing? It should be. Foote will add to the leadership on a defense that lost some with the departure of Karlos Dansby. Will he be this year's Dansby? Will he play well enough to keep Minter off the field? Will he even make the roster?
