TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals announced Thursday that they have tendered one-year qualifying contract offers to two restricted free agents, tight end Leonard Pope and defensive tackle Gabe Watson.
In addition, the Cardinals have released veteran long snapper Nathan Hodel.
As restricted free agents, Pope and Watson have until April 17 to sign the qualifying offer. During that time, they may negotiate with another team, but the Cardinals have the right to match any offer or receive a draft selection as compensation.
Watson received a second-round tender, meaning if another team signs him and the Cardinals don't match the offer, Arizona will receive a second-round draft pick as compensation. Pope received a tender that allows the Cardinals the opportunity to match any offer he receives from another team or receive a draft choice from that team equal to which round he was originally selected (i.e., third round).
Hodel initially joined the Cardinals during the 2001 season after being released by the Carolina Panthers. He played in the next 112 consecutive regular-season games and all four playoff contests in 2008.
The team also has extended offers to seven exclusive-rights free agents: cornerback Michael Adams, fullback Tim Castille, tight end Ben Patrick, tight end Stephen Spach, linebacker Pago Togafau, center Lyle Sendlein and tackle Elliot Vallejo.
Lastly, the team has signed three free agents who were previously with the team: defensive end Jason Banks, tight end Alex Shor and running back Chris Vincent.
