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Dansby, Cardinals can't reach extension

TEMPE, Ariz. - The deadline for Karlos Dansby and the Cardinals to agree on a contract extension has passed and as expected, the linebacker remains without an extension.

Dansby was tagged by the Cardinals as their franchise player and the two sides had until Wednesday to agree upon a new deal. Dansby is under contract for the upcoming season but a future with the Cardinals beyond this season is now doubtful.

Cardinals general manager Rob Graves didn't sound overly confident last week that a deal would be reached. Graves expressed hope the two sides could reach a long term deal, but noted a "considerable gap in our positions."

The situation the Cardinals are now in with Dansby is not a unique one as only five of the 14 players given franchise tags around the league agreed on long term deals.

The Cardinals will be able to negotiate once again with Dansby at the conclusion of the season, but Dansby has already expressed interest in reaching the unrestricted free agent market in 2010. If he does become a free agent it will be during a period in which the NFL could be playing without a salary cap and thus an uncapped free-agent period. This could translate into a big payday for Dansby.

Graves stated last week he was unsure how the Cardinals would approach Dansby if the only chance to re-sign him was at the end of the season. While Graves has the entire season to think about it, he should probably think fast or one of the best linebackers in the NFL and a player he calls "one of our core players" will become part of another team's core group of players.

The Cardinals could hypothetically franchise tag Dansby for a third consecutive year, but that option is unlikely as it would require $14 million guaranteed for just one season. The only real chance of seeing Dansby in a Cardinals uniform after this season is to agree on an extension shortly after the season.

The odds Dansby remaining a Cardinal beyond this season now appear slim, but there is still a chance for him to re-sign. Graves was prepared for this situation and will do everything he can to reach a long-term deal with Dansby.

by Kevin McGuire

KTAR.com - Dansby, Cardinals can't reach extension

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