Will

Davis

Davis receives a $66,000 signing bonus. The former Fighting Illini tight end exploded with 9.5 sacks as a junior but his production plummeted as a senior. He could emerge as a pass rusher in the future if he can gain upper body strength.

Davis, a sixth-round rookie and former college defensive end, was coming on with two sacks in his last three games and high-effort special teams play. It appears he’ll stay on the roster in hopes of returning for the playoffs. Chike Okeafor and Bertrand Berry will take over as Arizona’s primary ROLBs.

Okeafor finished ’09 with 47 tackles, but the Cards needed more than his 4.5 sacks at the ROLB spot. 2009 second-round pick Cody Brown and promising youngster Will Davis are next on the depth chart following Bertrand Berry’s retirement. Arizona may also look to upgrade at outside ‘backer this spring.

The Cardinals have decide how quickly they want to begin the youth movement at linebacker. Like veteran ILB Gerald Hayes, OLB Porter is a candidate for release at $5.75 million for 2011. Will Davis, coming off a fractured fibula, will push Clark Haggans on the other side while rookie Quan Sturdivant will attempt the same with Paris Lenon on the inside. There could be a lot of turnover here after training camp wraps up.

Injuries at linebacker are catching up to the Cards, as Davis was filling in for the injured Clark Haggans. It’s possible Haggans could return in Week 12, but rookie fourth-rounder O’Brien Schofield will need to be ready just in case.