The Cardinals plan to release left tackle Levi Brown, according to an ESPN report.
Brown, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2007 draft, would have cost the Cardinals $17 million next year, an amount the Cardinals have made it known they do not intend to pay. While news of the impending release does not come as a surprise in that regard, the team has expressed interest in bringing Brown back at a lower salary, and it was thought that Brown might willing to renegotiate his deal.
The 27-year-old Brown likely wants to test the free-agent market, as this year's class of tackles is lacking high-end talent and depth, making Brown a more desirable option.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, are looking to clear cap space in the short term for their bid to sign Peyton Manning.
With Brandon Keith set to become an unrestricted free agent, the Cards -- at least temporarily -- will be without both starting tackles. They likely would still be interested in re-signing Brown if he is unable to secure a palatable deal with another team.
