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Former Vikings tight end John Carlson was a bust in Minnesota, but maybe he can turn things around with the Cardinals. The 29-year-old signed with Arizona on Friday, the team announced. The deal is worth $4.65 million over two years, according to FoxSports.com.
With three tight ends set to become free agents on Monday, the move makes sense for Arizona. The Cardinal tight ends with expiring contracts are Jim Dray, Jeff King, Kory Sperry. Dray was fifth on the team in receiving in 2013 with 26 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns.
Carlson topped those number last season in Minnesota, catching 32 passes for 344 yards. However, Carlson never lived up to the hype that came along with the five-year, $25-million deal he signed with the Vikings in March 2012, which led to Minnesota cutting him on Wednesday.
In two seasons with Minnesota, Carlson started a total of 14 games and caught 40 passes for 387 yards. Carlson has suffered at least three concussions since 2011, a number that had him considering retirement in December.
"That's something that my wife and I will consider,” Carlson said in December. "After every season it's an evaluation period because of the nature of our business. Players move around, players get cut, coaches get fired, things happen. So in that sense, every year is an evaluation period and this year will be no different. And the concussion part of it will be in that conversation."
Before signing with Minnesota, Carlson spent four seasons in Seattle. Carlson led the Seahawks with a career-high seven touchdown catches in 2009.
