Login

Register | Forgot Your Password? | Close
The Arizona Cardinals were in need of a running back, and they got one via free agency.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Rashard Mendenhall, who spent the last five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, has agreed on a one-year deal with the team. It is being reported to be worth $2.5 million.

Mendenhall later confirmed the news:

"Obviously, I know Rashard well from our time in Pittsburgh and I hold him in very, very high regard," said Cardinals coach Bruce Arians in a press release. "As a running back he's the total package. He's a big, strong, every-down back with speed who can pass block and also catch the ball. I've said before: he's a big man with little people feet, meaning he can run like he's 180 (pounds) but also pound the ball like he's 230. When we were together in Pittsburgh he was a four-plus yards per carry kind of back and those guys are very valuable."

A 25-year-old who was drafted 23rd overall by the Steelers in 2008, Mendenhall has shown promise but has yet to put it all together and become a featured back. The one-year contract with Arizona will allow him to prove himself in hopes of earning a longer contract while also giving the team another option at the position.

And he has much to prove.

Mendenhall's rookie season was cut short due to a fractured shoulder, but he went on to rush for 1,108 and 1,273 yards, respectively, over the next two seasons while also tallying 20 touchdowns on the ground. Mendenhall had picked up 928 yards and nine scores in 2011 before tearing his ACL late in the season. He played in six games the next season but wasn't nearly as effective.

It was a bad season all the way around for the running back, as the team suspended him for a game against the Dallas Cowobys after he chose not to show up for the previous week's game, in which he was deactivated.

The 5-foot-10, 225-pound back reunites with former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who is now the head coach in Arizona.

Arizona Sports,

26 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
  • Add A Comment 
  • Abuse
    mesa mad man wrote...
    Cant Complain
    You honestly cant complain about that. A one year deal wont handicap them long term. If he doesnt pan out, the cards move on next year.
  • Abuse
    CardsFan_ wrote...
    Whoopee
    An injury prone back with a previous attitude problem. Excuse me while I wet my pants from excitement. At least it's only for one year.
  • Abuse
    Supa-main wrote...
    Quick
    As soon as we missed Bush we jumped on Mendenhall and made sure we got a good RB. I didn't wanna miss on both
  • Abuse
    DisgustedD wrote...
    Hmm injury
    proned eh, he played in every game the 3 previous seasons. He tore his ACL in week 17 in 2011. He''ll be solid for us & you know we will draft a RB this season as well. I am hoping for the RB from Texas A&M Christin Michael.
  • Abuse
    cbarnes40 wrote...
    Great Deal
    To get him for only 1 year makes it a great move. He had the same offer from Denver. Who knows, if he does play well AZ can extend him, if not he is not on the books after this year. I don't think AZ should overpay in FA like CLE and MIA since a lot of it is overrated. Hopefully they will bring in Stanton and an ILB and then just focus on depth at Safety, CB, and OL. Save the cap space for extending current players and put more focus on the draft.
  • Abuse
    Patrick Peterson's Talent wrote...
    Great signing
    1 year deal on a low-risk, high-reward type back. Love this signing, I think it's already an upgrade over Beanie. Eat it Denver!
  • Abuse
    bflynn65 wrote...
    Fantastic
    No doubt Mendenhall's signing carries some risk, but a 1 year deal minimizes that and ensures that we will see him play at his best. He will be looking for a big contract so he will definitely bring his A game.
  • Abuse
    CardsFan_ wrote...
    2 injuries in 4 years
    And had less than 1000 yds in 2011 despite playing in 15 games, and only played 6 games last year, and was benched for an attitude issue. Why exactly is this an exciting move in any way other than Cardinals fans being desperate for something?
  • Abuse
    cardinals89 wrote...
    finally
    Good pick up for us now prove us wrong mendenhall
  • Abuse
    DisgustedD wrote...
    Low Risk
    with a potential high reward!
close

Share: