Arizona Cardinals Sign D-Linemen Tommy Kelly

Aug 22, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) lines up against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals continue their recent free agent transactions by officially signing veteran defensive linemen, Tommy Kelly, to a 1-year deal. Kelly was recently released by the New England Patriots after having played for them during the 2013 season.

Kelly played in 5 regular season games last season before tearing his ACL which would end his 2013 campaign. In those 5 games, Kelly would have 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Kelly, who is 33 years old, played most of his career with the Oakland Raiders where he would be a presence on the defensive line in stopping, both, the run and the pass. Kelly’s best season came in 2011 where he would have 41 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 5 pass deflections (which is impressive for a 300lb man).

In order to make room for Kelly, the Arizona Cardinals would cut recently signed, Ryan McBean.

Now with Isaac Sopoaga, Tommy Kelly, and possibly James Harrison, the Cardinals bring much-needed veteran experience to a defense that was expected to do big things this year. The secondary has been set but the defensive line and the linebacker group has been a question mark for the Cards all offseason. Now, hopefully, some of those questions can now go away for a little while longer.

The Cardinals last preseason game will take place tomorrow night against the San Diego Chargers at 7:00 p.m.

To view the full schedule, click here.

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