Rucker returning to the desert on 1-year contract

The Arizona Cardinals announced on Friday that they've signed veteran defensive lineman Frostee Rucker to a one-year contract.

It's not an insignificant signing, as the club has lost stalwart defenders Calais Campbell, Tony Jefferson, and Marcus Cooper to free agency. Arizona managed to come to terms with Rucker, a veteran of 11 seasons, who has spent the past four years with the Cardinals.

"It's always been a blessing and a pleasure to be able to play here," Rucker said to Kyle Odegard of azcardinals.com. "We want to win. That's why I came back."

Rucker's return coincides with those of quarterback Carson Palmer and receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The trio of veterans hope to help the club rebound from a disappointing 7-8-1 year and return to its 2015 form, which had them a game away from the Super Bowl.

Rucker was reduced to a backup role last season. He played in 13 games, but started in just one, finishing the year with 13 tackles and no sacks.

"I've been working hard, and I'm going to continue to work very hard this whole spring and get back to where I left off a couple years ago - feeling good, feeling healthy, feeling fast and physical," Rucker said.