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BLOG: If he's truly a changed man, Daryl Washington could help the Cardinals

Posted at 6:07 PM, Apr 25, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-25 21:07:52-04

Daryl Washington has been reinstated -- at least for now.

The Cardinals linebacker, who was reinstated by the NFL on Tuesday after a three-year suspension due to multiple failed drug tests, still has to provide proof of "clinical resources" here in town -- and he still has to be clean come September when the regular season begins.

So, let's assume Washington is doing as well as he says he is. Along with his drug problems, Washington was arrested for assault in 2013. But in a statement Tuesday, he said he's grown as a father, husband and member of the community during his suspension.

And, let's say Washington does well on the field during practices and preseason play. Do the Cardinals keep him -- or do they say goodbye as quickly as NFL rules let them?

The Cardinals have hit a home run with borderline guys before. They drafted Tyrann Mathieu, who was dismissed from LSU's football program for drug abuse, and he's turned out great. But they did draft Robert Nkemdiche last year, and the jury's still out on him.

But, in a year when you need inside linebacker help, do you turn your back on a 30-year-old former Pro Bowler like Daryl Washington?

He hasn't played for three years, so he's going to be rusty. But he has plenty left in the tank. If he shows any remorse, I'm guessing the Cardinals take a chance.