Jermaine Gresham Signs New 4-Year Contract with Arizona Cardinals

Even though Jermaine Gresham was able to test the free-agent waters for the second straight season, the Arizona Cardinals announced Tuesday they've reached a new contract agreement with the tight end.

Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported Gresham had agreed to a four-year deal with the Cardinals. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed the agreement between the two sides.

The 28-year-old Gresham has spent the past two seasons with the Cardinals. He was their top tight end in 2016 with 37 receptions, 391 yards and two touchdowns. 

Beyond what Gresham adds in the passing game, Pro Football Focus noted after the 2015 season he was one of the NFL's best run-blocking tight ends:

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 noted this is a big reason the team wanted to keep him:

Last year, Gresham decided to take less money to remain with the Cardinals for what he said was his "overall happiness and a chance to win,” per Bob McManaman of AZCentral Sports.

It seemed like a good plan since the Cardinals were coming off of a 13-3 record in 2015 and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Injuries and poor performances on both sides of the ball led to the team finishing 7-8-1 last season, Arizona's first season under .500 since 2012. 

As a result of those issues, the Cardinals need to consider some roster changes to avoid another subpar season in 2017.

However, they don't have another tight end to build around. Hakeem Valles was a rookie last year who appeared in 11 games and could be in line for more snaps but didn't catch a pass in 2016. Darren Fells will turn 31 in April and is a restricted free agent.  

Gresham gives the Cardinals a stable and reliable presence. He's not the most dynamic tight end in the NFL, but his all-around ability as a pass-catcher and run-blocker makes him a valuable asset who can play all three downs in a league where versatility is everything.