Arizona Cardinals

Daryl Washington to be Reinstated

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:25 p.m. ET

Fansided, Jeremy Meek/FanSided via Raising Zona

Former Arizona Cardinals linebackerDaryl Washington appears to be getting another shot at the NFL

This has been an off-season of intrigue for the Arizona Cardinals. Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald have garnered the biggest headlines as they deal with retirement questions, but the pending free agency of so many starters has been a close second. One story, that wasn’t focused on as much was the attempt by former linebacker Daryl Washington to return to the league.

Washington was originally suspended for four games for violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Things snowballed from there, and he wound up suspended indefinitely. This suspension has kept him out of football for three full seasons.

It seems, however, that his exile could be ending. Local CBS sports reporter Joe Pequeno says that Washington will be reinstated by the NFL in March. Additionally, he says the Cardinals are interested in bringing him back.

Source: AZ LB Daryl Washington anticipates the team wanting him back. Washington feels he’ll be reinstated in March 2017 #DarylWashington

— Joe Pequeno (@JoePequenoTV) February 2, 2017

Washington was once a promising young talent, who looked like he was primed for a great career. After a nice rookie season, he exploded, recording over 100 tackles in each of the next two years. His best season was in 2013, when he recorded 134 tackles, 9 sacks, 2 passes defensed, an interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. The next year was shortened by his first suspension, and he hasn’t played since.

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It’s important to note that the league has not announced any news related to Washington’s reinstatement. The Cardinals organization hasn’t said anything either, most recently saying they did not expect him to rejoin them. The feeling as been that Washington hasn’t been doing what he needs to do to play football again.

If, indeed, Washington has been reinstated, the league should comment in the coming days. With the turnover the roster is facing, and on the outside chance that the 30 year old Washington can regain his form, he could be a big boost to the team.