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After an 8-8 campaign, the Arizona Cardinals have a large number of free agents. No other is more important, though, than defensive end Calais Campbell, who was perhaps the team's best defensive player in 2011. Also no longer under contract are everyone involved in the kicking game -- kicker Jay Feely, punter Dave Zastudil and long snapper Mike Leach.
Free agency officially begins March 13. As always, we can expect a frenzy for teh best players at the start and then see things slow down until after the draft in April.
Officially, 27 players who were with the Cardinals in 2011 will no longer be under contract. Many will likely return, but a few will likely end up elsewhere.
Here is a full list of Cardinals free agents, courtesy of Revenge of the Birds.
Exclusive Rights FA:
QB Richard Bartel
QB Max Hall
RB Alfonso Smith
WR Stephen Williams
DE Ronald Talley
LB Brandon Williams
CB A.J. Jefferson
RFA (restricted free agents):
RB LaRod Stephens-Howling
LB Reggie Walker
CB Greg Toler
S Rashad Johnson
UFA (unrestricted free agents):
RB Chester Taylor
WR Early Doucet
T D'Anthony Batiste
T Brandon Keith
G Deuce Lutui
G Floyd Womack
DE Calais Campbell
DE/DT Vonnie Holliday
OLB Clark Haggans
OLB Joey Porter
S Hamza Abdullah
S Sean Considine
CB Richard Marshall
LS Mike Leach
K Jay Feely
P Dave Zastudil
Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.