Cards Sign Free Agent LB James Darling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
Tempe, Arizona –- Versatile outside linebacker James Darling, a
six-year veteran with the Philadelphia Eagles (1997–2000) and Jets
(2001–02), has agreed to a four-year contract with the Arizona
Cardinals.
Darling's agreement capped a whirlwind of activity for the Cardinals, who
earlier in the day announced contract agreements with three other
veteran free agents -- safety and Super Bowl XXXVII most valuable player
Dexter Jackson, quarterback Jeff Blake, and fullback James Hodgins.
The 6–0, 250–pound Darling was one of the Jets’ key situational
defenders last year and collected 33 solo tackles, 9 assists, 1
quarterback sack, 2 interceptions, and 3 pass deflections. In addition,
he posted 16 tackles and two fumble recoveries on special teams. In 91
career games (24 starts), Darling owns 122 solo tackles, 98 assists, 4.5
quarterback sacks, 3 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, 2 forced
fumbles, and 87 special teams tackles.
A two-year starter and all-Pac-10 Conference middle linebacker at
Washington State, Darling was chosen in the second round (57th overall)
of the 1997 NFL Draft by Philadelphia and played in 59 games (24 starts)
for the Eagles with 166 tackles, 3.5 quarterback sacks, 1 interception,
and 11 pass deflections. His best season was the 1999 campaign when he
started 10 of 15 contests and posted 98 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception,
and 3 pass deflections.
Following the 2000 season, Darling joined the Jets as a free agent in
2001 and finished the season with 12 tackles and one forced fumble from
scrimmage. He also led the Jets in special teams “points” and finished
third with 12 tackles on coverage units.
-— cards —-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
Tempe, Arizona –- Versatile outside linebacker James Darling, a
six-year veteran with the Philadelphia Eagles (1997–2000) and Jets
(2001–02), has agreed to a four-year contract with the Arizona
Cardinals.
Darling's agreement capped a whirlwind of activity for the Cardinals, who
earlier in the day announced contract agreements with three other
veteran free agents -- safety and Super Bowl XXXVII most valuable player
Dexter Jackson, quarterback Jeff Blake, and fullback James Hodgins.
The 6–0, 250–pound Darling was one of the Jets’ key situational
defenders last year and collected 33 solo tackles, 9 assists, 1
quarterback sack, 2 interceptions, and 3 pass deflections. In addition,
he posted 16 tackles and two fumble recoveries on special teams. In 91
career games (24 starts), Darling owns 122 solo tackles, 98 assists, 4.5
quarterback sacks, 3 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, 2 forced
fumbles, and 87 special teams tackles.
A two-year starter and all-Pac-10 Conference middle linebacker at
Washington State, Darling was chosen in the second round (57th overall)
of the 1997 NFL Draft by Philadelphia and played in 59 games (24 starts)
for the Eagles with 166 tackles, 3.5 quarterback sacks, 1 interception,
and 11 pass deflections. His best season was the 1999 campaign when he
started 10 of 15 contests and posted 98 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception,
and 3 pass deflections.
Following the 2000 season, Darling joined the Jets as a free agent in
2001 and finished the season with 12 tackles and one forced fumble from
scrimmage. He also led the Jets in special teams “points” and finished
third with 12 tackles on coverage units.
-— cards —-
