The Arizona Cardinals reached an agreement in principle on a one-year deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Bruce Arians, the Cardinals' coach, was at one time Mendenhall's offensive coordinator with the Steelers.
Mendenhall was slowed last season by injuries. He tore the ACL in his right knee in Week 17 of the 2011 season and didn't return until Oct. 4 of last season. His return didn't last long, though, as he strained his right Achilles four days later.
The 25-year-old running back has rushed for 3,549 yards and 29 touchdowns in 57 career games.
It's interesting that the deal is only for one year, but the Cardinals (and other teams) may not feel that Mendenhall is completely healthy and want to limit their risk. The deal allows him to prove himself and potentially cash in next summer. He will vie with Ryan Williams for touches in the Arizona backfield. Until the depth chart shakes out, we won't know who is the better fantasy bet for 2013.
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