Daryl Washington Agrees to Long-Term Deal with the Arizona Cardinals

According to multiple reports, the Arizona Cardinals have inked linebacker Daryl Washington to a long-term deal. 

"

Cardinals' Washington signs six-year extension usat.ly/OSXMwj

— USA TODAY NFL team (@usatoday_nfl) September 6, 2012"

The deal is reportedly a six-year contract that will keep the linebacker with the team through the 2017 season. Washington, who was a 2010 second-round pick, still had two years remaining on his rookie deal before he signed the new contract with the Cardinals on Thursday. 

Washington has developed into one of the league's top inside linebackers since being drafted by the Cards back in 2010; in 2011, the linebacker registered 107 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions. 

The financial terms have yet to be announced, but Cardinals general manger Rod Graves seems to be happy with what has transpired between the two parties. 

"

“Two things that successful teams do consistently is build through the draft and keep their core players,” said Graves. “Daryl has certainly lived up to the potential we all saw in him coming out of TCU in 2010, and he has established himself as one of the top young defensive players in the NFL. I know he feels, like we do, that his best football is still ahead of him, and we’re thrilled that this deal gives him the opportunity to achieve that with the Cardinals.”

"

This move is great news for a Cardinals team that has had its fair share of bad publicity in regards to its offense and quarterback situation during the offseason. 

Follow @JeffSchmidt9