LaRod Stephens-Howling came into the league as a seventh-round pick in 2009, but he’s proven to be worth much more to the Cardinals.
The team announced Friday that they extended a second-round tender offer for the impending restricted free agent. If Stephens-Howling signs the tender, he’ll make around $1.9 million in 2012 and the Cardinals have a right to match any offer made for him or they will receive a second-round pick from the signing team.
Stephens-Howling has been a contributor on both offense and special teams during his three years with the Cardinals. His most memorable play is certainly the 52-yard catch-and-run to beat the Cowboys in overtime this season and he also had a 73-yard score against the Steelers earlier in the season. Stephens-Howling also has three kickoff returns for touchdowns and he ran for 93 yards in place of Beanie Wells in the season finale.
Wells will remain the feature back in 2012 and Ryan Williams is expected back after missing his entire rookie season with a ruptured patella tendon. Stephens-Howling’s skills as a receiver out of the backfield figure to still have a place in the Arizona offense, assuming, of course, no one else decides to make a move for him.
The Cardinals also extended original round tenders to defensive backs Rashad Johnson (third round) and Greg Toler (fourth round).
