February 8, 2008 - 1:58AM
Cards likely to use franchise tag on linebacker Dansby
Mike Tulumello, Tribune
The Cardinals appear almost certain to put the franchise tag on linebacker Karlos Dansby in the next two weeks, then try to work out a long-term deal with him by July 15.
Both Cardinals general manager Rod Graves and Dansby's agent, Kirk Wood, indicated Thursday this is the path likely to be traveled.
The Cardinals have until Feb. 21 to name a franchise player. If no deal can be worked out by July, then the Cardinals would keep the franchise tag on Dansby, who would play for about $8 million in 2008.
Graves said conversations with Wood "have been light. ... At some point, when the timing is right I expect we're probably going to use the tag on him and then continue to negotiate with him on a long-term deal."
Wood agreed. As for the prospects of a long-term deal, he said, "Karlos is eager to work with them. He's in a tough position. We know where the market is going to go."
It figures to go up, no less so than for star receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Talks are ongoing with Fitzgerald in hopes of signing him to a long-term deal by the end of the month.
He is due about $16.5 million thanks to incentives he reached this past season. The Cardinals would like to lower this figure in the short run.
While they talk, the future of such Cardinal mainstays as running back Edgerrin James and linebacker Calvin Pace may hang in the balance. James' salary-cap number is $6.75 million next season. The Cardinals could save his actual salary of $5 million by releasing him.
Graves, asked if James could be traded or released, said, "We haven't considered that. As of right now, we're factoring him in as being here."
He also seemed to choose his words carefully on the subject
FULL STORY
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/108514
Cards likely to use franchise tag on linebacker Dansby
Cards likely to use franchise tag on linebacker Dansby
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