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The Arizona Cardinals and linebacker Karlos Dansby, who was designated with the franchise tag, have until July 15th to reach an agreement on a long-term deal. Otherwise, they'll need to wait until the season ends to resume talks.

Meanwhile Cardinals GM Rod Graves says that "there is a considerable gap in our positions,” per Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com.

“Karlos is one of our core players,” Graves said. “Our efforts will remain trying to reach a long-term contract resolution with him.”

Back in April, when he changed agents, Dansby said: “I am trying to maximize what I am worth, and I’m not sure I’m going to have another opportunity like this. It’s the ideal position to be in the position I am in right now. I want to make the most of it.”

If Dansby and the Cardinals don't reach a long-term deal before Wednesday, he will earn $9.7 million guaranteed this season.

Dansby, who is one of the league's best linebackers, led the team in tackles (119) in 2008.