There's a little more swagger and a lot more pride being displayed by the Cardinals' stable of linebackers this year.

"You're dang right," outside linebacker Karlos Dansby said Wednesday. "And now we've got a championship belt on the line to keep it that way."

He isn't kidding.

It seems the linebackers, many of them new and some of them returning from injuries, have an in-house competition. When defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast told them he planned to tweak his system to allow for even more pass-rushing packages for the linebackers, they came up with a contest to reward the week-by-week sacks leader. READ MORE

Cards' Dansby feels 'pretty good' about signing

The Arizona Republic
Apr. 18, 2008 12:00 AM

Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby officially became $8.065 million richer Thursday, so he has had worse days.

"I feel pretty good about it," Dansby said.

The $8 million and change is the average of the top five highest-paid linebackers in the NFL. The Cardinals were required to make that offer when they designated Dansby their franchise player in February.

Since then, the sides have talked occasionally about a multiyear deal but remain far apart on their opinions of what Dansby is worth. So Dansby elected to sign the tender offer, guaranteeing his salary for the season.

The Cardinals and Dansby's agent, Kirk Wood, have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal. After that date, Dansby must play for the tendered salary and is not eligible to sign a multiyear contract until after the season. READ MORE