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The release of 17-year veteran and future Hall of Famer Terrell Suggs by the Arizona Cardinals came as a surprise to many. This release was not like others. It was not because of performance or because he wasn’t a good fit in the locker room.
According to head coach Kliff Kingsbury, it was out of respect for Suggs.
“We’ve been having conversations as the season went on, as his role has been reduced and we’ve kind of made the shift to playing some younger players, moved Haason (Reddick) out there,” Kingsbury told reporters after practice on Friday. “In fairness to him to try and find a better fit right now, we released Terrell. I just have so much respect for him and what he brought and wanted to give him that opportunity.”
There is rampant speculation that he will ultimately re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens, the team where he spent 16 seasons, as they appear to be championship contenders.
Suggs production was not good in recent weeks. He did not even log a single tackle in the last two games and only had half a sack in the last six games, but Kingsbury raved about how he handled himself.
“He was phenomenal in our building — work ethic, energy, the juice he brought every day,” he said. “His professionalism was through the roof so we wanted to give him the opportunity to find a fit if it’s out there.”
It was a mutual decision with conversations as the season progressed. Kingsbury said “the respect was both ways,” so it isn’t a case of Suggs being unhappy.
His role was going to diminish and the Cardinals weren’t going to go anywhere. It is actually a nice gesture for the team, even if it just looks like another veteran free agent player they are dumping. This case is different.
Suggs finished the season with the Cardinals having played and started in 13 games. He had 37 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 251:
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Ep. 250:
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