The Associated Press
TEMPE Ä Still shopping for a quarterback, the Arizona Cardinals gave Tampa Bay restricted free agent Craig Erickson a tour of the training facility yesterday.
Erickson, 25, watched workouts at the Cardinals' offensive school and also spoke with coach/general manager Buddy Ryan, who has had trade conversations with the Buccaneers about Erickson.
''They are definitely moving in the right direction. The foundation has been laid,'' Erickson said of the Cardinals.
Arizona was No. 3 in total defense and No. 27 in scoring in the NFL last season.
''They are doing some things offensively to have a more potent attack. Obviously with this defense, you are going to have the opportunity to get the ball a lot,'' Erickson said.
Because Erickson is a restricted free agent, the Buccaneers have the option to match any contract offer he receives. If they choose to let him go, they will receive a No. 1 draft choice from the team that signs him unless another arrangement is reached.
''There has to be a lot of deal-making done, and everybody has to be happy. So far, that hasn't happened. I just want to go out and play football,'' Erickson said.
Ryan gave up on erstwhile starter Steve Beuerlein last season, making him available in the expansion draft, and has said veteran Jim McMahon will not be invited back. Jay Schroeder, who replaced Beuerlein as the starter, is an unrestricted free agent.
But Erickson said the prospect of playing for Ryan does not bother him.
''When I played for coach (Jimmy) Johnson at the University of Miami, he's a very defensive-minded coach, similar to coach Ryan,'' Erickson said.