Cardinals sign Dockett to extension
The Arizona Cardinals proved that they are willing to reward players deserving of raises as they extended defensive tackle Darnell Dockett’s contract through 2015. Dockett has proven to be a valuable asset to the Cardinals and rather than complain and hold out while waiting for a new contract, he continued to contribute and continued to prove that he deserved one. The new deal is worth $48 million with $30 million guaranteed.
The Cardinals have added some stability and credibility to their front office. The team has had a tough off-season. As Kurt Warner retired, they traded Anquan Boldin and the team lost arguably their best defensive player in Karlos Dansby. This deal proves that the Cardinals will pay their stars if they earn it.
Questions were raised all off-season as to why the Cardinals were willing to let both Boldin and Dansby go. Boldin wanted to be paid like a number one receiver, but with the Cardinals he was their number two due to being across from Larry Fitzgerald. Boldin received an extension with the Baltimore Ravens while Dansby signed with the Miami Dolphins early in free agency for a five-year $43 million contract with $22 million guaranteed.
"The thing that has really made it so apparent that we wanted to get this done was his growth as a player and as a person," Cards’ coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
Dockett certainly proved in his first six seasons how valuable he is to the Cardinals. Dockett has not missed a game in his career and he has 215 tackles and seven forced fumbles. He is a great run-stopper and a great leader for the Cards’ defensive unit.
“First of all, I want to take a moment and say I’m very thankful to be in this situation, I’m happy. I’m going to be here,” Dockett said. “I’m excited to win games. You all are going to see me around here probably longer than you thought.”
Dockett showed up to training camp and worked hard while the extension was being worked on in the background. Whisenhunt has praised Dockett since he took over the coaching job in 2006. Dockett can now focus on leading the Cardinals to a third straight division title as he is now their defensive captain.
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