Some Arizona Cardinals fans might be worried that receiver Greg Dortch won’t return despite being a free agent, especially when other exclusive rights free agents Carter O’Donnell and Jesse Luketa already re-signed.
But there is nothing to worry about.
First of all, he is an exclusive rights free agent with only two accrued seasons in the NFL. If the Cardinals tender him a qualifying offer, he has two choices — sign the offer or not play. No other team can sign him.
General manager Monti Ossenfort spoke of Dortch at the NFL combine this past week.
“Greg made a lot of plays before I got here,” he said. “Greg made a lot of plays when he got an opportunity. Greg’s a guy who’s always ready to take advantage of whatever opportunity he gets and when he’s taking advantage of those opportunities, he earns more opportunities.
“So, Greg does a great job for us. He’s tough, he’s physical after the catch for a smaller guy. He took a step as a punt returner last year. Greg made a lot of plays for us and he’s going to make a lot of plays for us next year.”
Ossenfort knows that Dortch will be back.
The fact he hasn’t signed a contract is irrelevant. Exclusive rights free agents don’t often re-sign before free agency.
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