Jermaine Gresham re-signs with Arizona Cardinals
Mar 13, 2016, 11:52 AM | Updated: Mar 14, 2016, 1:26 pm
Arizona Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham holds the football behind his back as a television camera records his celebration after his touchdown reception against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
(AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
The Arizona Cardinals are bringing back one of their tight ends.
The team announced Monday they’ve agreed to terms with free agent tight end Jermaine Gresham on a one-year deal.
The two-time Pro Bowler played in 15 games last season, catching 18 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown.
At the Arians Family Foundation Classic, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer said he’s thrilled to have Gresham back with the team.
“Just fired up for him to get a whole offseason under his belt,” Palmer said. “Not having a surgery in July and trying to play in September. We’re going to see a whole different animal this year, I can’t wait. A whole year in this offense, a whole year with training with Buddy (Morris), a whole year to train with him. It’s huge for us.”
Gresham reportedly had better offers from other teams.
Gresham takes less to stay in Arizona. Bears and Jets were interested
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 13, 2016
#AZCardinals TE Jermaine Gresham turned down a four-year contract to return to Cardinals on one-year deal https://t.co/ZETOtKwUx8
— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) March 13, 2016
Darren Fells and Troy Niklas also spent time at tight end last season. Fells caught 21 passes for 311 yards and three touchdowns. Two of Niklas’ four receptions were for touchdowns.
Gresham underwent back surgery last offseason and signed a one-year deal with the team in July.
In his previous five seasons, Gresham had never caught fewer than 46 passes.
Tight end is a position the Cardinals have not had serious production from in over a decade. The last Cardinals tight end to catch at least 50 passes in a season was Freddie Jones in 2003.
