TEMPE, Ariz. (May 18, 2005) -- Offensive tackle L.J. Shelton, a former first-round draft pick, was released by the Arizona Cardinals.
Shelton, selected in 1999 out of Eastern Michigan, started 77 of 82 games he played for the Cardinals over the past six seasons, mainly at left tackle.
The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Shelton played 12 games at right tackle in 2004, making nine starts before sustaining a season-ending injury to his left knee Dec. 14 against San Francisco.
In November 2003, Shelton signed a five-year contract extension. But he fell out of favor last season with coach Dennis Green, and the Cardinals reportedly were looking to trade him before the 2005 NFL Draft.
Arizona also released reserve tight end Lorenzo Diamond. He was signed in 2003 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Auburn. In five games last season, Diamond had three receptions for 19 yards.
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