Kent Somers

azcentral sports

INDIANAPOLIS – The NFL Scouting Combine is only partially about scouting. With free agency starting this week, agents and team executives have been meeting in bars, restaurants, coffee shops and hotels all week to discuss the parameters of deals.

On Tuesday, teams and the representatives of free agents can begin, legally, to discuss contracts. Those deals can’t be officially consummated until the 2017 “league year” begins Thursday afternoon.

At last count, the Cardinals had 16 unrestricted free agents, including key starters such as defensive tackle Calais Campbell, safety Tony Jefferson, safety D.J. Swearinger and tight end Jermaine Gresham.

The feeling at the combine is that Campbell and Jefferson, at least, won’t be back. They’re going to command more money than the Cardinals are willing to commit.

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Multiple outlets reported Sunday that Jefferson’s new contract could average $7 million. One source close to the situation, however, believes that number could be closer to $10 million.

Campbell is likely to receive a more lucrative contract, at least in term of average per year, than the $11-million-per-year deal he signed with the Cardinals in 2012.

At those prices, the Cardinals are expected to thank the players for their service and part ways. Their main focus then likely would be Gresham and Swearinger.

There were rumors at the combine that the Cardinals had only lukewarm interest in re-signing Swearinger, who had a breakout season. But a source denied that, and re-signing Swearinger makes sense given the likelihood of Jefferson leaving.

Barring developments before Thursday, the Cardinals are expected to have about $18 million of cap space at the beginning of free agency.

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