[Monkeydad]

Cardinals will not place franchise tag on Karlos Dansby, according to team source

The Cardinals are prepared to let linebacker Karlos Dansby test the open market in free agency this year and will not place the franchise tag on him for a third consecutive season, a team source confirmed Thursday.

That does not, however, mean Dansby's days with the franchise are over. The Cardinals will monitor the situation when free-agent offers are allowed to be made and then decide then if they wish to make an offer of their own.

The team appears to be gambling that Dansby won't command as much as a free agent as he would as a franchise player, which could be as much as $16 million guaranteed. If we go 3-4, Jarmon may have to switch to OLB.

Dansby regularly has led the Cardinals in tackles, but this past season produced only one sack, one interception and one forced fumble
.

In a 51-45 wild-card playoff victory over the Packers, however, Dansby was a force. He deflected a pass that led to an interception, caused a fumble and recovered and returned another fumble for the winning score.

Dansby, a second-round draft pick
by the Cardinals in 2004, is said to be eyeing a contract that guarantees him around $30 million. Teams that have been linked to possibly having interest in him and vice versa include the Dolphins, Giants and Colts.

Dansby, who was unavailable for comment, has said on numerous occasions he wouldn't rule out re-signing with the Cardinals.

The Cardinals also are continuing negotiations with coach Ken Whisenhunt concerning a contract extension, although no new information was available Thursday.

$30 million? Maybe not, but he WOULD help the LB position tremendously and allow us to use another draft pick on the O-line since LB would be covered through FA.