The Arizona
Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has matched the
Buffalo Bills offer sheet with restricted free agent guard Reggie Wells. By
matching the offer sheet, the Cardinals have agreed with Wells on a
five-year contract. In accordance with club policy, terms were not
disclosed.
"We are excited to announce that Reggie Wells will be back
with our team under a long term agreement,” said Vice President of Football
Operations Rod Graves. “Since the end of the 2005 season, we have remained
open to the fact that we may someday do a long term deal with Reggie. The
free agency process has expedited that decision.”
Wells was Arizona’s first selection in the sixth round (177th
overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft. He started every game for the Cardinals in
2004 after making his first career start in the dramatic 2003 season finale
vs. Minnesota. The four-year offensive lineman out of Clarion University
started nine games for the Cardinals at left guard in 2005 before suffering
a broken ankle at Detroit on November 13th and being placed on injured
reserve two days later.
“Nonetheless, we believe that Reggie is talented and on track
to being one of the NFL's top offensive lineman,” continued Graves. “Our
commitment to Reggie Wells is another indication of our total commitment to
building a strong nucleus of players."