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The Arizona Cardinals are parting with one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Safety Adrian Wilson, who has been with the team since 2001, has been informed the team is planning on releasing him, as first reported by KGME's Mike Jurecki. Arizona Sports 620's Paul Calvisi has confirmed the report.

The move will save Arizona $3.5 million in 2013.

"All of us thank Adrian for what he has meant not only to our organization but also to this community," said Cardinals President Michael Bidwill in a press release. "In every franchise, there is a select group of players whose contributions earn them iconic status and for us, Adrian Wilson will always be one of those players."

Wilson was a third round draft pick of the Cardinals in 2001 out of North Carolina State. He played in all 16 games as a rookie, intercepting two passes, including one for a 61-yard touchdown in a season-ending loss to the Washington Redskins.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Wilson accumulated 894 tackles, 25.5 sacks and 27 interceptions as a Cardinal,. He tallied just 54 tackles in 2012, which is his lowest mark since 2007, when he played in just nine games.

In his career, Wilson tallied 987 tackles, 25.5 sacks and 27 interceptions. He is one of only six players in the history of the National Football League to register at least 25 sacks and 25 interceptions.

"Decisions like this are never easy but it's especially tough with someone like Adrian because he's been such a special player and important part of this organization for the last 12 years," said Cardinals GM Steve Keim.

Following the Cardinals' final home game of 2012, a 28-13 loss to the Chicago Bears on December 23, Wilson was asked about his future with the team.

"You know what, I haven't thought about that one bit until you guys continuously bring it up," he said. "If they make a decision, I'm pretty sure it's going to be pretty quick. If they don't, okay.

"Either way it goes, I'm a good player, so we'll see what happens."

Arizona Sports,

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  • Abuse
    Steve L. wrote...
    Too Bad
    I liked AW. He was a very good safety. I wish they could have renegotiated his contract if it's a money situation. I think he still has a couple good years left. I wonder who they'll put back there now.
  • Abuse
    cfroelich11 wrote...
    Rashad Johnson
    Time to step up!
  • Abuse
    Steve L. wrote...
    Hope
    this new regime knows what they are doing. His shoes will be hard to fill.
  • Abuse
    adublightsout24 wrote...
    First Dumb Move
    By far a big mistake. I am betting this will be just like any other cardinal that is let go (besides Leinart) he will shine somewhere else he is wanted and sign within days.
  • Abuse
    JayJay wrote...
    Miss you A-Dub
    Love this guy for being here for so long and being a Cardinal through and through. Great guy and great family. Shopped locally too. Appreciate the Wilsons.
  • Abuse
    AZSPORTFAN wrote...
    Have To Say ..............
    He will definately be missed .........
  • Abuse
    LiveForSports wrote...
    Thanks Adub
    Well we knew this day would come eventually. His presence and intimidation on the field will be missed, but let's face it, he is no longer the disrupter/game changer he once was, where QB's had to account for him on every down. Clearly the Cardinals are looking to infuse more youth in the secondary, perhaps finding somone in the draft coming up, and opening the door for Rashad Johnson, Justin Bethel and others.
  • Abuse
    Btg1964 wrote...
    New Contract
    Could this be a move to put the Cards in a better position to now resign him? I hope so. He has been the backbone for the defense.
  • Abuse
    ZonaNative wrote...
    Thanks A-Dub!
    Typical AZ sports team... take the player that is the symbol of all that we love and dismiss him unceremoniously. Sound familiar? I know his playing time had been reduced, but he should have been given the courtesy of going out on his own terms. Thanks for giving us something and someone to cheer for, when there wasn't much else! AZ loves you! #ForeverGrateful
  • Abuse
    sundevil7901 wrote...
    Bad move
    Wilson still is a better than average player in this league, he's got plenty of gas left. I hope they can re-sign him for a friendlier cap number, he needs to finish his career in AZ. This Cards defense still needs him.
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