We needed a backup centre, no matter what, and who in the know was saying that the Cards were considering a 'C' in round one?
I think Gambo noted that the Cardinals were interested in Linderbaum in round 1. I believe Jeremiah also stated that the Cardinals were interested in Linderbaum. That isnt a report that the Cardinals were going to draft Linderbaum because Hudson was going to retire, but it is a legitimate report that they were in consideration of a C because Hudson is only under contract for this season and next.
Similarly, it is known that teams reach out to their players in the offseason to get a gauge on where they are at, how they are feeling, and if they have any concerns. This is especially true with players coming off injuries, have had off-season surgery, and veterans. That the Cardinals were obviously ready to answer questions when Hudson was absent indicates they probably had info from Hudson being absent for voluntary workouts in April.
So, if we look at reasons a veteran player is absent from these programs it is generally...
1-new contract
2-retirement
3-doesn't want to do it
1 doesn't fit because Hudson got a new contract when he was traded to AZ.
3 doesn't really fit because someone just not going to report isn't something to "work through" it is just an agreement between a vet and a team that the player will be absent and the team fining that player for his absence.
2, considering retirement is "something to work through" and a general reason for a over 30 vet player to be absent. That he hasn't filed retirement papers means the decision hasn't been made yet and Hudson obviously needs more time to make that decision.