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On Wednesday evening, it was announced that the Arizona Cardinals had signed defensive end Cory Redding and center A.Q. Shipley, both of whom played for the Indianapolis Colts a year ago.
Redding spent the last three seasons with the Colts, following Chuck Pagano from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 2012 and being a defensive mainstay and leader. Redding played in and started 45 games for the Colts, recording 107 tackles, ten sacks, and seven passes defensed. He was a fan favorite and a veteran leader, while at the same time being one of the team's best defensive players.
"Outside of what I do on the field, the biggest thing is to make sure to work better off the field," Redding told Cardinals.com. "You have to try to get to the guys, talk to the young guys, groom them, show them what it is to be a pro. I want to be an example as well. Get in the classroom, get in the plays as well. That's where I come in."
Shipley spent two seasons with the Colts, playing in 14 games and starting five in 2012, being traded away and spending the 2013 season in Baltimore (playing in 16 games and starting nine) before then signing with the Colts again for the 2014 season in which he played in 15 games and started five. He was one of the Colts' five best linemen in 2014 and in both 2012 and 2014 he was the team's best center.
"I'm here (to compete)," Shipley told Cardinals.com. "My ultimate goal is to start, whether it's at center or guard. Center's my more natural and comfortable position and hopefully I get a crack at that."
Both players will reunite with Bruce Arians in Arizona, who is now the head coach of the Cardinals after being the offensive coordinator and interim head coach of the Colts in 2012.
Redding still is a good player and can play particularly well when pass rushing, and he's a good leader who should help the Cardinals. And Shipley is a solid center who can help any offensive line, whether as a backup or as a starter. Hopefully he'll get a fair chance in Arizona, which isn't really something he got in Indianapolis. Best of luck to both Cory Redding and A.Q. Shipley with the Cardinals.