Collecting Tight Ends

Tight end re-signed with the Cards on a one-year deal Wednesday.

When Ken Whisenhunt first arrived as Cardinals’ coach, one position he focused upon was tight end – and trying to find players who could fit the role as he saw it.

He found it in 2009 with veteran blocker Anthony Becht, and the previous season with . So it wasn’t surprising the Cards brought back both players Wednesday, working out one-year contracts with both as the team continues to bring in outside free agents.

Guard Rex Hadnot and restricted free agent quarterback Charlie Whitehurst each wrapped up their visits Wednesday, with linebackers Larry Foote and Joey Porter due in Wednesday night for their visits.

There have also been reports former Browns quarterback Derek Anderson will visit Arizona as well. Anderson’s possible future with the Cardinals will likely be tied to his contract desires, and the Seahawks have been reported interested in Anderson as well.

The Cards lost one potential target Wednesday after offensive lineman Wade Smith, who came on a free-agent visit earlier in the week, agreed to a deal with Houston.

The Cardinals should be set at tight end, however, unless someone intriguing becomes available at the draft. The Cards are back to having four tight ends under contract – Becht, Spach, and .

Becht had seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown this season, but his value over 16 games was clearing lanes for running backs and . Spach was limited to seven games, in large part because he became inactive on game days when Whisenhunt began using Becht and Patrick as his two tight ends.

Defensive end also signed his one-year exclusive rights tender offer Wednesday.

One report said safety had also re-signed with the Cardinals, but that deal is not yet been completed. Ware, however, is expected to eventually come to terms.