After the year-long suspension of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington for a second violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy, the team may try to recoup some of the $10 million doled out in an option bonus this March, per Ed Werder of ESPN.
Cardinals not ready to cut Daryl Washington, per report
Arizona is not pleased with its star linebacker but also is not likely to release him because of financial reasons.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Washington is a centerpiece of the Cardinals solid defense, but has been in and out of trouble since coming into the NFL. Last April, Washington had to serve a four-game suspension for substance abuse. Exactly a month later, Washington was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault, to which he pleaded guilty to one count, a felony in Arizona. No jail time was given, only a year of supervised probation.
According to Werder’s source, the Cardinals would not want to release Washington until the financial issues surrounding the recent bonus have been put to rest. If the team no longer has Washington on the roster, then it might prove harder to retrieve any and all funds.
Last year, Washington totaled 75 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. In 2012, Washington amassed 134 tackles and nine sacks.
As his current contract stands, Washington is signed through 2017 and should he be released now, would have $13.1 million in dead money counting against Arizona’s cap.
See More:
