Cardinals bring back veteran DL Frostee Rucker
Mar 17, 2017, 12:11 PM | Updated: 3:09 pm
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) as defensive end Frostee Rucker (92) follows during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Oct. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
(AP Photo/Ben Margot)
The Arizona Cardinals’ defensive line will look a little different next year with Calais Campbell now in Jacksonville, but they have found a way to keep another key member in the fold.
As first reported by Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s John Gambadoro and later confirmed by the team, Frostee Rucker signed a one-year contract with the team on Friday.
All I ever wanted was a chance today I got another one! Here's to a healthy , strong and dominating #Year12 #AzCardinals #TustinUp #FightOn pic.twitter.com/Gron1k1CPW
— Frostee Rucker (@theorganicfrost) March 17, 2017
The 33-year-old Rucker joined the Cardinals as a free agent in 2013, and since then has provided steady play along with leadership in the locker room.
He has been hampered by injuries the last two seasons, however, and in 2016 managed just 25 total tackles along six tackles for loss, with four QB pressures and five QB hits. It was the first time since 2007 where Rucker failed to record a sack.
Last month Rucker, who has 20 career sacks, said he wanted to return to the Cardinals, and was finally feeling healthy after battling knee and ankle issues last season.
Rucker entered the NFL in 2006 as a third-round pick out of USC, and has played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns as well as the Cardinals.
