Former Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington was recently reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis, and it doesn't sound like he wants to continue playing for the Cardinals.
Washington hasn't played since 2013 after violating the league's substance abuse policy on more than one occasion. He also served a one-year probation in 2014 for assaulting his girlfriend.
Now, Washington has made it clear he wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys next season. He lives near the Cowboys' facility, and he told Pro Football Talk he wants to help the franchise win a Super Bowl.
"Why not be a Cowboy?" Washington said. "I'm settled in here. It's home. Let's try to get one this year. Come on Mr. [Jerry] Jones, you'll be glad you took a chance on me. We'll hold up that Lombardi Trophy together."
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Washington, 30, said he's in the best shape of his life, and he said he is "excited" to potentially have the opportunity to play football again.
"I take full responsibility for everything I went through," Washington said. "I don't blame anybody. But I'm not here to talk about it; I'm here to show you what type of person I am now and where I'm trying to go."
The Cardinals drafted Washington in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of TCU, and he immediately became a key contributor as a rookie.
In four seasons with Arizona, Washington recorded 18 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles.
The Cowboys could use the help at linebacker. Sean Lee is returning, but he has had injury problems throughout his career. Dallas is hopeful Jaylon Smith can contribute, but he hasn't played a down yet in the NFL.
Jerry Jones has signed troubled players in the past, including Rolando McClain and Greg Hardy. If he thinks Washington can help the team, he won't be afraid of the potential backlash.
(h/t 247Sports)
