With the loss of Stewart Bradley and the possible loss of free agent Paris Lenon, the Cardinals were looking for an inside linebacker to compliment Daryl Washington. They found the perfect guy for the job wednesday, signing former Vikings linebacker Jasper Brinkley to a two-year contract.
Brinkley was a member of the Vikings for the past four seasons. In 2012 he had a career high 117 tackles (74 solo), two sacks and three forced fumbles. Brinkley started a career high 15 games at middle linebacker.
Brinkley has played a total of 48 games (19 starts) in his career and has 155 tackles (104 solo), three sacks, three forced fumbles, four passes defensed and 17 special teams tackles.
Before signing with the Cardinals, he also visited with the New York Giants.
Brinkley is the sixth free agent to sign with the Cardinals in the past two days (seventh if you count Rashad Johnson re-signing with the team). He’s joined alongside quarterback Drew Stanton, running back Rashard Mendenhall, linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, cornerback Jerraud Powers, and safety Yeremiah Bell.