One of the Cardinals’ primary tight ends has decided to call it a career.
John Carlson, who started 12 games for Arizona last season, has announced his retirement, Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ website reports.
A Notre Dame product, the 30-year-old Carlson has caught 210 passes for 2,256 yards and 15 touchdowns since entering the NFL in 2008 with Seattle. After four seasons with the Seahawks, Carlson played two years with Minnesota (2012-2013) before moving on to Arizona.
Carlson’s retirement leaves second-year pro Troy Niklas as Arizona’s No. 1 option at tight end, with veterans Darren Fells and Ifeanyi Momah and rookie Gerald Christian also in the mix.
Jermaine Gresham is the top unsigned tight end, but he is coming off back surgery. Ex-Seahawks tight end Zach Miller is also a free agent.
