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The Arizona Cardinals didn’t waste any time in addressing the linebacker position after the injury to linebacker Jeremy Cash will cost him his season.
The Arizona Cardinals are signing linebacker Gerald Hodges to a contract per numerous media outlets.
The #AZCardinals, who seem to have lost LB Jeremy Cash (knee) for the season, have signed free agent linebacker Gerald Hodges, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 12, 2018
Cardinals have signed free agent linebacker Gerald Hodges, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 12, 2018
This is not a shock, as one of the people I speak with said after the linebacker workouts took place a couple weeks ago that Hodges would be the man if the Cardinals were dealt any injuries in the preseason.
The 27-year old Hodges is a five year NFL veteran, with stops in Minnesota, San Francisco and most recently New Orleans.
Hodges is the consummate backup linebacker, with versatility to lineup inside or out.
Having started only 26 games out of the 65 he has played in his career, Hodges will be a reliable backup for the Cardinals moving forward.
Hodges has accumulated 159 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 1 forced fumble in his career.
Cash had been playing very well, Hodges will offer the same type of steady play for the team, maybe without the big splash play upside.