Bucannon is taking leadership role on Cardinals defense in his fifth season

Deone Bucannon is entering his fifth season with the Arizona Cardinals and while it may not seem like a lot, he has 21 more career starts than any other linebacker on the Cardinals roster.

So when he was asked on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s Doug & Wolf show if he was a veteran, it was a valid question.

“It’s crazy,” Bucannon said. “It goes by so quick. You know we’re going to be in training camp, then it’s the sixth game of the season, next thing you know it’s the 12th game of the season, then playoffs come around. But, I mean, it’s my fifth year…”

Bucannon, who plays the “money” linebacker position, will have more responsibility in first-year defensive coordinator Al Holcomb’s new system. The team’s longest tenured linebacker has been tasked with making defensive calls and checks.

“I love it, I take the responsibility with everything I have and I’m going to be ready out there on the field,” Bucannon said. “I want everybody to be in place so they can make plays so they can put food on their plate for their families.”

Second-year pro Haason Reddick and eight-year pro Josh Bynes are the other two projected starters at linebacker. Bynes, who has spent time on the Ravens, Lions, and now the Cardinals, has only 29 career starts to Bucannon’s 50.

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