Hope this hasn't been posted already.
Free agent realizes he's not an automatic starter for Cards
By Darren Urban, Tribune
David Macklin knows he isn’t automatically going to start for the Cardinals this season. “In the NFL you are fighting every day,” said the cornerback during a conference call Thursday, a day after signing a three-year contract with Arizona.
“I am going into it wanting to be a better player than I was last year. That is an improvement. I want to be able to come in and help the defense out.”
Someone will have to start, though, after David Barrett left in free agency. The Cardinals are already taking a risk with their other starting job since Duane Starks is returning from torn left knee ligaments, an injury that sidelined him for the 2003 season.
On a recent trip to Miami, Fla., coach Dennis Green met with Starks and was satisfied with his rehab. Vice president of football operations Rod Graves said the team is counting on Starks. The Cardinals are also expected to draft a cornerback, probably in the first three rounds.
In the meantime, Macklin and Renaldo Hill — a restricted free agent who may get an offer sheet from another team — will fight for the other starting spot. “This has put me in a position where I could be a starting guy here,” Hill said. “You never know. I’m really kind of blind to everything. I’m just coming here every day, getting workouts in, so I can be prepared.”
Macklin, who turns 26 in July, is only 5-foot-9 but is a physical corner who weighs 196 pounds (Hill is 5-11, 194). Macklin had been a starter in Indianapolis until before this season, although he bounced back in the playoffs with a pair of interceptions.
“I’m happy I’m not going to be a Colt,” said Macklin, a four-year veteran. “I’m happy to be a Cardinal.”
Very happy to not be a Colt? I like this guy.
Free agent realizes he's not an automatic starter for Cards
By Darren Urban, Tribune
David Macklin knows he isn’t automatically going to start for the Cardinals this season. “In the NFL you are fighting every day,” said the cornerback during a conference call Thursday, a day after signing a three-year contract with Arizona.
“I am going into it wanting to be a better player than I was last year. That is an improvement. I want to be able to come in and help the defense out.”
Someone will have to start, though, after David Barrett left in free agency. The Cardinals are already taking a risk with their other starting job since Duane Starks is returning from torn left knee ligaments, an injury that sidelined him for the 2003 season.
On a recent trip to Miami, Fla., coach Dennis Green met with Starks and was satisfied with his rehab. Vice president of football operations Rod Graves said the team is counting on Starks. The Cardinals are also expected to draft a cornerback, probably in the first three rounds.
In the meantime, Macklin and Renaldo Hill — a restricted free agent who may get an offer sheet from another team — will fight for the other starting spot. “This has put me in a position where I could be a starting guy here,” Hill said. “You never know. I’m really kind of blind to everything. I’m just coming here every day, getting workouts in, so I can be prepared.”
Macklin, who turns 26 in July, is only 5-foot-9 but is a physical corner who weighs 196 pounds (Hill is 5-11, 194). Macklin had been a starter in Indianapolis until before this season, although he bounced back in the playoffs with a pair of interceptions.
“I’m happy I’m not going to be a Colt,” said Macklin, a four-year veteran. “I’m happy to be a Cardinal.”
Very happy to not be a Colt? I like this guy.
