Arizona Cardinals defensive end Frostee Rucker
Arizona Cardinals defensive end Frostee Rucker (98) hits Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a game in Glendale, Arizona. Reuters/Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports

The Arizona Cardinals are rewarding defensive lineman Frostee Rucker for his good play last season. Rucker’s original deal with the Cardinals had him under contract through the 2015 season but now the new contract will pay him until 2016.

Josh Weinfuss of ESPN reported the extension on Monday and also confirmed by other news outlets, including Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

The 31-year-old Rucker, who was a third-round pick by Cincinnati Bengals in the 2006 NFL Draft, grabbed the starting spot in the 2014 NFL season after Darnell Docket fell to an injury. Rucker recorded 5 sacks, 24 tackles and two forced fumbles in 15 games in 2014.

Rucker, who also played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2007 to 2011 and the Cleveland Browns in 2012, is expected to start at defensive tackle in the upcoming NFL season.

The Cardinals have a new defensive coordinator in James Bettcher.

In related news at the Arizona camp, the team has signed first-round draft pick D.J. Humphries to a four-year deal worth $8.9 million. “It’s an adjustment every young player has to go through,” Humphries said on the team’s official website. “I feel like I am taking steps in the right way. I don’t feel I am taking steps back. I am taking steps forward, even if they are baby steps.”

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