Cardinals Cuts: Few surprises on final cut day
On a final cut day that was more notable for Ken Whisenhunt's naming of John Skelton as his starting quarterback, the Arizona Cardinals bid goodbye -- at least temporarily, for some -- to 22 players. There were only a few surprises among the list, but perhaps the other major bit of information was the placement of offensive tackle Levi Brown on injured reserve.
Notable cuts: WR DeMarco Sampson (2nd year, San Diego State) -- A surprise, given his play during camp, but perhaps more a surprise that the Cardinals are only keeping five receivers. Rookie free agent LaRon Byrd got the coveted last spot. ... LB Clark Haggans (11th year, Colorado State) -- The venerable linebacker, who came over from Whisenhunt's last stop with Pittsburgh, is the biggest name among the cuts. The 35-year-old could land with another team soon, though.
Complete cut list
CB Crezdon Butler (3rd year, 5th round in 2010 draft, Clemson); LB Antonio Coleman (3rd year, undrafted, Auburn); S Blake Gideon (rookie, undrafted, Texas); LB Clark Haggans (13th year, 5th round in 2000 draft, Colorado State); G Russ Hochstein (12th year, 5th round in 2001 draft, Nebraska); DT Ricky Lumpkin (2nd year, undrafted, Kentucky); LB Colin Parker (rookie, undrafted, Arizona State); CB Larry Parker (rookie, undrafted, San Diego State); WR DeMarco Sampson (2nd year, 7th round in 2011 draft, San Diego State); TE Steve Skelton (2nd year, undrafted, Fordham); RB Alfonso Smith (2nd year, undrafted, Kentucky); LB Quan Sturdivant (2nd year, 6th round in 2011 draft, North Carolina); DE Ronald Talley (2nd year, undrafted, Delaware); DE Everrette Thompson (rookie, undrafted, Washington); TE Martell Webb (2nd year, undrafted, Michigan); C Scott Wedige (rookie, undrafted, Northern Illinois); WR Isaiah Williams (4th year, undrafted, Maryland); T D.J. Young (2nd year, undrafted, Michigan State).
Other moves: Waived/Injured -- WR Stephen Williams (3rd year, undrafted, Toledo, Achilles); LB Brandon Williams (4th year, 4th round in 2009 draft, Texas Tech, shoulder); PUP -- RB Javarris James (3rd year, undrafted, Miami, knee); QB Rich Bartel (6th year, undrafted, Tarleton State, shoulder); OT Levi Brown (6th year, 1st round in 2007, Penn State, triceps).
For more news and analysis from Cardinals blogger Jon Gold, follow @CBSSportsNFLARI on Twitter.
