News And Events

A teary-eyed Karlos Dansby celebrates the Cards' NFC Championship victory.

Karlos Dansby was taking part in the Cardinals’ voluntary workouts Tuesday, as usual.

Left in question, however, was the linebacker’s long-term status with the Cards after he confirmed the news he had fired his previous agent in the middle of negotiations for a contract extension.

Amid reports the team and Dansby’s former agent, Kirk Wood, were nearing a contract agreement late last week, Dansby said a deal was “not close. Not even close. Not even close.”

“We were nowhere near getting a deal done,” Dansby added. “That’s how I felt, and that’s why I felt the need for a change (in agents), to get a solid deal done that I am comfortable with, that my family is comfortable with.”

With Dansby having signed his franchise tender offer of a guaranteed $9.7 million for 2009, he and the team have until July 15 to work out a long-term extension. After that date, the Cards can’t re-sign Dansby until after the regular season. Without an extension, Dansby will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

Dansby was supposed to be unrestricted each of the past two offseasons, but the Cards used their franchise tag on him both years.

Asked about his optimism in getting a new contract worked out, Dansby was blunt. “Not even sure it’s able to get done,” he said. “I’m not sure. It’s an uncapped year next year.”

If the league and the NFL Players Association do not come up with a new collective bargaining agreement before the new league year next spring, the salary cap will indeed go away. Dansby clearly feels that could be a boon to him as an unrestricted free agent, saying if he were to hit the market he could “make a splash, man. Make a splash.”

General manager Rod Graves declined comment. With Dansby seeking a new agent, the Cards are left in limbo in their contract talks, although Graves did speak briefly with Dansby Tuesday.

Dansby said contract talks would not be set back because of his agent change. But talks may be just that – talk – if Dansby is aiming for a massive new contract.

Dansby said he is still interviewing potential new agents. He said he has not settled on Eugene Parker, who represents close friend and teammate Adrian Wilson, although he acknowledged he has interviewed Parker. Dansby also said he is talking to many players, including Jets linebacker Calvin Pace (represented by Pat Dye) and 49ers linebacker Takeo Spikes (Todd France), for their input.

“I am trying to maximize what I am worth,” Dansby said. “I’m not sure I’m going to have another opportunity like this. It’s the ideal position to in the position I am in right now. I want to make the most of it.”