NFL Reinstates Cardinals LB Daryl Washington, Plans To Play In 2017

Adam Schefter is reporting that the NFL has reinstated suspended Cardinals LB Daryl Washington and he plans to play in 2017.

The Arizona Cardinals have released the following statement regarding Washington’s reinstatement to the NFL:

Team statement on Daryl Washington. Washington was reinstated by the NFL today on a conditional basis. pic.twitter.com/l1lfh4ZmvF

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 25, 2017

This comes as a surprise, given that it appeared as though Washington may never return to the NFL after numerous issues over the years.

While this is great news for Washington, the question now is whether the Cardinals will even give him an opportunity to compete for a job this summer or just move on.

Back in January, Washington told Mike Jurecki of 910 Fox Sports that he was “optimistic” about being reinstated by the NFL.

“I’m optimistic moving forward when it comes to being reinstated in 2017,” Washington said.

Washington has been out of the league since May of 2014 when he was suspended indefinitely for violating the substance abuse policy.

Washington, 30, is a former second-round pick of the Cardinals back in 2010. Because he’s been out of the league for so long, Washington’s contract has tolled, leaving him under contract for another four years.

According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Washington would free up no available cap space while creating $1,875,000 in dead money.

Washington last appeared in an NFL game during the 2013 season when he totaled 75 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery over the course of 12 games. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 21 inside linebacker in the league that season.