NFL reinstates Arizona Cardinals' Daryl Washington

Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington has been conditionally reinstated by the NFL after being suspended for three years, but it’s unknown if he will be rejoining the team.

The Cardinals made the announcement on Tuesday, saying they had been informed of Washington’s reinstatement by the NFL.

MORE:Why was Daryl Washington suspended in the first place?

The team released the following statement:

“Considering we have been prohibited from having any contact with him over the last three years, it would be premature today to discuss a potential return to the team.

"As everyone is aware, the 2017 NFL draft is just days away and that is where our energy and attention is fully focused right now. At the appropriate time, we will address the issue of Daryl Washington further.”

The NFL released this statement:

"Washington may join the Cardinals at the training facility and participate in meetings, conditioning work and similar activities. Once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Washington’s clinical resources in Phoenix, he will be permitted to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games.

"Prior to the start of the regular season, the NFL will review Washington’s progress. Based on his compliance and engagement with his program and resources, he will be permitted to participate in all regular season activities beginning in Week 1. He will be evaluated later in the season for full reinstatement."

YOUR TAKE:Bring back Daryl Washington, Cardinals?

Neither Washington nor his agent, Erik Burkhardt, returned messages.

Washington, however, did provide a statement to profootballtalk.com.

“I’m honored and humbled to be back in the National Football League. These last three years have been the most difficult of my life without the game I love so much. That said, I’ve used this time to make tremendous strides as a man and have grown into a proud husband, father, and contributing member of my community.

“Physically I’m in the best shape of my life and have maintained a strenuous six-day per week workout plan for over a year in anticipation of this day and next season. I understand the physical and mental demands that it takes to be an All-Pro linebacker in this League, and I fully intend to play at that level this season.

“I’d like to thank Commissioner Goodell and his staff who I’ve met with multiple times, my attorney Daniel Moskowitz for all of his work on my journey back, my amazing teammates who I’ve stayed in contact with, and most importantly, my family for all of their unconditional support. As I told Mr. Goodell, I will use this opportunity to help lead and mentor younger guys in the locker room and in my community to learn from my mistakes and understand it’s an honor to be in the NFL.”

MORE: Cardinals draft history - Washington's draft spot, so much more

Washington, who turns 31 in October, was suspended indefinitely in May 2014 for multiple violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Players suspended indefinitely are required to miss at least a year, so Washington’s extended suspension suggests he wasn’t in compliance with reinstatement rules.

Washington does not face additional fine or suspension for a domestic violence incident, an NFL spokesman confirmed. That matter was addressed in a previous petition by Washington for reinstatement. That petition was denied, meaning the domestic violence incident was one reason Washington's suspension lasted three years.

The Cardinals likely would want to talk to Washington before making a decision about his future with the team.

The Cardinals have kept Washington on the roster throughout his suspension, mostly due to salary-cap reasons.

Washington’s salaries have not counted against the salary cap.

MORE: Daryl Washington on NFL's highest-paid linebackers list

When Washington was suspended, he contract “tolled” under NFL rules, meaning, essentially, that his contract was frozen at 2014 levels. That means if he were to play this year under his old contract, he would make $2.9 million in salary.

It's improbable, however, that the Cardinals, or any other team, would pay that much money for a player who has missed three seasons. If Washington were to return, it likely would be for far less in base salary.