FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Daryl Washington enters his third season with the Arizona Cardinals as a critical cog at the heart of a defense that is supposed to be the team's strength.
The inside linebacker also is the next target for a contract extension by the team's front office.
"He's a very talented player and he has demonstrated that he's the type of guy that we want in our program for the long term," general manager Rod Graves said during practice on Monday. "We're hoping we can get to a point where we can sit down and talk about extending our relationship with him. He certainly is one that we're focused on doing that with."
Washington also wants an extension.
"I certainly want to be here for a long time. This is where I want to end my career, hopefully," he said.
Washington said there has been "talk back and forth" between his agent and the Cardinals.
"No offer yet,"' Washington said, "but hopefully we'll get something done sooner or later.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
