ARIZONA CARDINALS

Don’t say Todd Heap is past his prime

Aug 1, 2011, 9:01 PM | Updated: 10:25 pm

It’s rare that the acquisition of a 31-year-old tight end would cause excitement for an NFL franchise’s fan base, but that’s exactly what the signing of Todd Heap did over the weekend.

While fans are excited, many people around the league have questioned if Heap’s best days are behind him. Don’t count Ken Whisenhunt as one of them.

“I remember standing here about four or five years ago and saying the same thing about Kurt [Warner]. So, I’m not going to make that assessment,” the head coach said. “It was pretty impressive what I’ve seen him do on tape last year. I know from talking to Larry since we’ve been in back camp that they worked out together and he was impressed with how he saw Todd work. I’m excited to see what he can do.”

Heap may be old by NFL standards but his production hasn’t tailed off that much. Last season as a member of the Ravens he caught 40 passes for 599 yards and 5 touchdowns. Over his ten year career he’s averaged 47 catches, 549 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns per season.

If Heap can put up numbers close to that in 2011 he’ll easily become the most productive tight end the Cardinals have had since moving to the Valley.

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Don’t say Todd Heap is past his prime