The Cardinals signed fullback Dan Kreider (left) to a one-year contract.

The Cardinals' search for a veteran fullback ended Thursday, and it ended with a change to the roster.

The team signed Dan Kreider, a one-time Pittsburgh Steeler with Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, to a one-year contract. The move gives the Cards three fullbacks on the roster – with Tim Castille and Justin Green – and ends the chance Terrelle Smith will return to Arizona in 2009.

Kreider spent part of the 2008 season with the St. Louis Rams, playing in 11 games with just one carry. He was released Nov. 26.

His previous eight seasons were with the Steelers, where he won a Super Bowl title in 2005. For his career Kreider has 144 rushing yards on 32 carries and 60 receptions, but his main role has been as a blocker for such runners as Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker and Steven Jackson.

Kreider, 5-foot-11 and 255 pounds, will have the edge to win such a job with the Cardinals. Both Green and Castille excel on special teams but neither is proven as an offensive cog. Castille is going into his third season; Green played three seasons in Baltimore before being out of the league in 2008.

The Cardinals' backfield could have a significant new look after the draft. In addition to possible fullback changeover, the team is still expected to take a running back early in the draft. If that happens, veteran running back Edgerrin James would likely be released. Third-down back J.J. Arrington left as a free agent and was replaced by free agent Jason Wright. Second-year man Tim Hightower is the only remaining player who is a lock to be on the roster in 2009.

Contact Darren Urban at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net. Posted 4/2/09.