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.
Cardinals coach Bruce Arians was at one time Mendenhall’s offensive coordinator with the Steelers.
Mendenhall had led the Steelers in rushing for three straight seasons before a disappointing 2012 season marred by injuries and a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.
He was suspended for a game in December for not attending a loss to the Chargers after he found out he wouldn’t dress for the game. He also was inactive for two games after fumbling twice on four carries in a loss to the Browns.
Mendenhall also was slowed by injuries last season. 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.
The Cardinals released running back Beanie Wells last week.
The 6-foot-4, 229-pound Wells was envisioned as a power running back to anchor Arizona’s offense, but injuries and inconsistent play kept him from being a regular threat. He had only three 100-yard rushing games in his four seasons in the desert.
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