Safety James Sanders agreed to a one-year contract with the Cards Thursday.

Free agency cost the Cards one veteran defensive back, but brought back two more.

Safety James Sanders agreed to a one-year deal Thursday, about 10 days after the Cards also agreed to terms with cornerback William Gay on a two-year contract. The expectation is that both will offset the departure of Richard Marshall, who left to sign a three-year contract with the Dolphins earlier in the free-agent period.

Once restricted free agent Rashad Johnson signs his tender, there will be only one secondary member still unsigned for 2012. Safety Hamza Abdullah doesn't have a contract, although Sanders' arrival doesn't necessarily mean Abdullah will not return. The arrival of Sanders and Gay, however, will clearly force some decisions to be made once cuts begin for the final roster – and that doesn't even include the possibility another safety could be taken in the draft.

Assuming Johnson's return, the Cards will have four safeties on the roster. Already there are eight cornerbacks.

The Cardinals got Sanders but saw offensive tackle Demetress Bell – whom the Cards had been pursuing – choose to go to Philadelphia Wednesday.

Sanders spent six seasons with New England before spending last season in Atlanta. He has eight career interceptions.