Cardinals’ roster could see changes

Reggie Wells was starting at guard on an offensive line that was supposed to have Pete Kendall at center — until coach Dennis Green shocked everyone by cutting Kendall the day the Cardinals reported to training camp.

It was an over-the-top example of the way a new coach transitions his roster after coming in, moves that aren’t usually so dramatic.

But the reality, with coach Ken Whisenhunt starting his tenure as Cardinals coach this season, some roster moves will be made and at some point, a “name” player or two will be shown the door.

“It’s only natural when you have a new guy come in, especially when you have been here a few years,” Wells said. “But I don’t think it is something you need to be uptight or tense about.”

Sometimes, it is personal. More often than not, a veteran simply doesn’t fit the new system.

“If there is a turnover or something surprising (with a player move), call me naïve but I believe it would be justified,” Whisenhunt said. “Everybody is going to have a role on this team and it is up to the players to determine what that role is.”

As a one-time 12th-round draft pick who made an NFL roster because he felt he got a fair shot to do so, Whisenhunt said he is predisposed to basing his decisions on performance not only on the practice field but also during offseason conditioning work.

Changes came briskly when Green took over the Cardinals, with starters such as Dexter Jackson and L.J. Shelton finding the bench while Kendall found the door.

Finding a way to manage that roster and still win becomes one of the most difficult jobs of a new coach.

“There is always a level of transition because your philosophy how to run the offense or defense may be radically different than the person there before you,” said Jets coach Eric Mangini, who led his team to the playoffs in his first season in 2006. “That is not a knock on the players that are there. It’s just about the level you have to get to — some changes have to happen.”

The new coach may also be looking to import players that he has previously coached, although “I am not looking for guys who are ‘my guys’ or the ‘old regime’s guys,’ ” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “We all have to work together.”

Former running back Jerome Bettis personified that theme in Pittsburgh when Whisenhunt was there, since Bettis was willing to become the team’s short-yardage back for the benefit of the team.

That is an anecdote Whisenhunt promised will be repeated often.

“I believe a big reason we won the Super Bowl in Pittsburgh was because of guys like that, because of the sacrifice,” Whisenhunt said.

Wells said Whisenhunt has already said he has an open door policy, inviting players to come talk to him if they have questions about their role or what they are supposed to be doing. Eventually, though, somebody who has been around won’t be.

“The one constant in the NFL is change,” fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo said. “Whether it is change for you or change for somebody else, it is inevitable.”

EXTRA POINTS: Right tackle Mike Gandy had an excused absence to attend a friend’s wedding.

“I told him that was more important than being here for some dumb practice,” Whisenhunt joked.

The Cardinals are already missing offensive lineman Milford Brown this weekend because Brown is getting married. ...

The three free-agent signings the Cardinals made Friday already have roles. Ralph Brown has a good chance to find a spot as the fourth cornerback, behind Antrel Rolle, Eric Green and Roderick Hood. Defensive end Rodney Bailey is one of the few guys on the roster with 3-4 experience. Defensive end Joe Tafoya is being used like Calvin Pace and Chike Okeafor, as a stand-up player in 3-4 sets. ...

Receiver LeRon McCoy has two small finger fractures on his right hand and will miss 10-12 days. He said he will be ready for the minicamp two weeks after the draft.

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