Without knowing yet exactly how new coach Kliff Kingsbury will use his tight ends, it doesn't mean the Cardinals don't need some given scarcity on the roster at the position.
So Tuesday, the team jumped on yet another player who had been released by his previous team in part because of money, with the Cards signing veteran tight end Charles Clay -- released last week by Buffalo -- to a one-year contract.
Clay, who turned 30 last week, is going into his ninth season. He split his previous eight years evenly between time with the Miami Dolphins and Bills. Last year, Clay had 21 catches for 184 yards in 13 games. The previous five seasons before that, however, Clay never had fewer than 49 receptions in a season.
Adam Schefter reported the deal is worth up to $3.25 million, with a $350,000 signing bonus.
The NFL free agency period is officially underway. Use our free agent tracker page to follow all the movement.
Clay becomes the third veteran free agent signed by the Cardinals after their release this month. The team also signed cornerback Robert Alford and linebacker Brooks Reed, both cut by the Falcons.
The tight end position is one in flux for the Cards. Veteran Jermaine Gresham is at the top of the depth chart, scheduled to make $6.25 million in salary this season. Ricky Seals-Jones and Darrell Daniels are both exclusive rights free agents, while veteran John Phillips will be an unrestricted free agent.
The draft is also populated with high-end tight end talent this year. The Cardinals' decision-makers will get an up-close look at that group next week at the annual Scouting combine.
Images of TE Charles Clay, who the Cardinals signed to a one-year contract on Tuesday
Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) is hit by Houston Texans defensive back Justin Reid (20) after a catch during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Houston.
Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) during an NFL regular season football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017 in Carson, Calif.
Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay rushes the ball in the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Baltimore.
Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay falls back after making a touchdown catch on a pass from Tyrod Taylor, not pictured, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y.
Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) avoids Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y.
Miami Dolphins fullback Charles Clay (31) runs into the end zone for a touchdown as New England Patriots defensive back James Ihedigbo (44) chases from behind during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011.
Miami Dolphins running back Charles Clay (42) makes a reception as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Orie Lemon (58) defends during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Arlington, Texas.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (99) and Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) during an NFL regular season football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017 in Carson, Calif.
Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay (42) runs with the ball after escaping a tackle by San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) carries the ball against New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y.
Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) tries to avoid a tackle by Tennessee Titans safety Kendrick Lewis (28) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y.
Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay (42) runs with the ball during the Miami Dolphins against the New Orleans Saints NFL football game Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 in New Orleans, LA.
Buffalo Bills tight end Charles Clay (85) runs against Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (59) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Atlanta.
