--The Cardinals will have a long snapper other than Nathan Hodel for the first time since 2001. Coaches were unhappy with the accuracy of his snaps, as well as his coverage skills. It didn't help that Hodel, the team's union representative, was viewed as a locker room lawyer by some, according to a source close to the club. Hodel signed with the Patriots this week and thanked the Cardinals for his eight seasons in Arizona. He declined to discuss his departure in any detail. Hodel was waived/injured just days after undergoing knee surgery.
--GM Rod Graves is looking for an assistant. He's interviewed former Broncos general manager Ted Sundquist and T.J. McCreight, former director of player personnel for the Browns. The hiring, however, doesn't appear to be on the fast track, and Graves could interview other candidates.
--Agent Drew Rosenhaus said Bryant McFadden's recent signing proves Rosenhaus can do business with the team. There was some question of that given the sensitive relationship between the club and a couple of Rosenhaus' clients, receiver Anquan Boldin and running back Edgerrin James. Boldin has asked to be traded and James wants the club to release him now.
--The club appears to have nearly completed what has been a very quiet free agency period. It signed only a handful of players: McFadden, backup safety Keith Lewis and long snapper Mike Leach. It brought Patriots tackle Mike Wright in for a visit but made no offer. That was also the case with fullback John Kuhn, a restricted free agent from the Packers.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I felt pretty good about (backups) Matt Leinart and Brian St. Pierre, as well. Once we went into free agency, you have to always be prepared you might lose the player. I recognized what was going on. I always hoped we would have Kurt back." -- Coach Ken Whisenhunt on his depth at quarterback and the re-signing of Kurt Warner.
