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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Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner worked well with Smith in San Francisco when he was the team’s offensive coordinator in 2006 and Chiefs coach Andy Reid has expressed an interest in Smith in the past, making Cleveland and Kansas City two possible destinations.

There’s one other factor to consider: If San Francisco deals Smith instead of cutting him, it would save the $1 million or $2 million roster bonus it would have to pay if he is released.

Smith, the 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick, lost his starting job to Colin Kaepernick while sitting out with a concussion but has been professional at every turn and has continued to mentor his replacement.

In fact, coach Jim Harbaugh has indicated that Smith spends more time than he does coaching Kaepernick.

Before his injury, Smith had completed 26 of his last 28 passes — including going 18-of-19 for 232 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions (good to a 157.1 passer rating) in a “Monday Night Football” win at Arizona on Oct. 29.

He then sustained a concussion in the second quarter of the 49ers’ next game, a 24-24 tie against St. Louis on Nov. 11. Smith sat out the next game as Kaepernick dazzled in his debut as an NFL starter, beating the Bears handily at home on “Monday Night Football.” Smith didn’t start again this season.

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