Cardinals' Arians 'shocked' Gresham, Johnson took less money to return to team

The Arizona Cardinals are one of the leading contenders for next year's Super Bowl in large part due to their selfless ethos.

Tight end Jermaine Gresham and running back Chris Johnson both took significantly less money to return to the Cardinals after fielding lucrative offers from opposing clubs.

Gresham was offered a four-year contract worth up to $23 million by the Chicago Bears and New York Jets, but signed opted for a one-year deal worth $3 million to remain with the Cardinals. Johnson also signed a one-year, $3-million contract after the Miami Dolphins presented him with an undisclosed offer.

Arians was surprised by his players' altruistic approach to free agency.

"I was shocked," Arians said to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. "I've only been in this about 22 years. You don't turn down $12-million guaranteed for $2.5 million."

It appears that winning is more important than money for the two veterans, a development that ought to please Arians as the Cardinals gear up for another deep playoff run.