Titans linebacker offered contract by Arizona

Full story at The City Paper:

Tennessee Titans free agent linebacker Peter Sirmon has been offered a contract by the Arizona Cardinals.

Sirmon, a starter for the Titans at middle linebacker last year, is mulling the offer, which is one-year for the NFL veteran minimum of $720,000.

“This could be a good opportunity for me with the Cardinals,” Sirmon said. “They have a new coaching staff there, and they’re looking to come in there and turn things around.”

Sirmon is a veteran linebacker, having played in the league since 2000. He has not, however, played for anyone but Tennessee and has played in 81 games during that time — about 11.5 games per year. And in those 81 games Sirmon has also totaled 250 tackles, 241 of which came in three of the past four seasons.

Because Whisenhunt came from Pittsburgh, he has a good understanding of the Steelers’ defensive philosophies. Last season’s Cardinals finished 29th in the NFL in points allowed (24.3 p/g) and 26th in rushing touchdowns allowed. Adding depth to the linebacker position with a veteran like Sirmon will pay dividends and should help to improve those numbers.