Gay sign with Cards.

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Steelers CB Gay signs with Cardinals


By [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.], PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Last updated: 4:46 pm

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Steelers have lost their first significant free agent, as cornerback William Gay has agreed to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.

"We knew that was a possibility," Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said today, shortly after arriving for the NFL owners meetings. "His representatives had been in contact with us. We were aware of his trips and that he was going to get offers and he got an offer that he took."

When asked if the Steelers had made Gay a counter offer in hopes of retaining the fifth-year veteran, Colbert said, "We were in discussions with him, yes."

Gay came into his own in 2011, starting 15 regular-season games and tying for the team-lead in interceptions with two. Gay tied for second on the Steelers in passes defended with 13.

His loss provides an opportunity for Keenan Lewis and second-year men Cortez Allen and Curtis Brown. Gay had hoped to re-sign with the Steelers, but the team does not have much room under the salary cap.

"We always knew we could lose a guy like William," Colbert said. "We have three young guys in the mix. It doesn't stop us from addressing (cornerback) in the draft. It really doesn't alter any preparation at this point."

Gay had visited the Cardinals as well as the Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos.

In Arizona he will be reunited with Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton and assistant defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend. Horton was Gay's position coach from 2007-10 and he and Townsend were teammates from 2007


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