2009 Crystal Ball: Leinart Traded to Big Apple and Dansby Walks

[Mitch]

First of all, Happy New Year to everyone at ASFN. I wish all of you a warm, happy and safe year ahead...especially to you, Skkorp!

Here is a list of the off-season moves that, IMO, the Cardinals will make:

1. Quarterback Moves: (a) Cardinals sign Kurt Warner to a two year deal, with a club option on a third. Even though Warner is 37, he's in good physical shape (he was able to benefit a great deal from not playing all that much since he left St. Louis--this is his first full season since then), and he fits the Cardinal offense so well with his timely ability to deliver the ball into the hands of the team's best playmakers. Warner has contemplated retirement, but he loves Arizona, the coaching staff, and especially the weapons he has to keep him at the top of the league in passing. (b) Cardinals sign Brian St. Pierre to a three year deal to be the #2 QB. (c) Cardinals trade Matt Leinart to the New York Jets for the #17 pick in the 2009 draft. This decision is made easy for two reasons: the team wants to stick with Warner for the next two years and in that interim Leinart is due a $15M escalator clause. The Jets need to rebuild their offense around a younger QB and Leinart fits their system reasonably well.

2. RB Moves: (a) As expected the Cardinals release Edgerrin James. (b) And while the club will make an attempt to re-sign J.J. Arrington, if a relatively quick agreement isn't made, they will try to sign UFA Darren Sproles of San Diego. (c) The Cardinals are happy with Tim Hightower as their thunder back, but will add another RB in the draft this year...possibly selecting Knowshon Moreno of Georgia if he enters the draft early (most likely) and is still on the board at #17 (very unlikely). Keep an eye on James Davis of Clemson in round three or four. (d) Keep an eye on "Fast Willie" Parker...if the Cardinals can find a way to snag him, they will.

3. WR Moves: (a) The Cardinals will NOT trade Anquan Boldin, and they will do all they can to offer him a lucrative reworking of his current contract...if Boldin resists, he is still under contract, and just like this past year, the Cardinals will expect him to honor that contract. (b) The Cardinals are pretty deep here, so do not expect more than a couple of UCFA additions.

4. TE Moves: (a) They like Stephen Spach and will sign him for next year and may even bring Jerame Tuman back, hoping this time he can stay healthy. (b) The Cardinals believe that Ben Patrick and Leonard Pope will emerge as healthy, solid much-improved players next year.

5. OL Moves: (a) The Cardinals will re-sign the versatile Elton Brown...they hated losing Keydrick Vincent last year and won't make that mistake again; (b) All focus will be to develop the current strength of the starters and the abilities of young promising backups Brandon Keith and Elliot Vallejo. (c) If C Alex Mack is available in the second round the Cardinals would likely take him, otherwise they look for a player like Alabama's Antoine Campbell in the fourth or fifth round.

6. DL Moves: (a) The Cardinals will re-sign DE Bertrand Berry to an incentive laden contract slightly higher than the one he negotiated this past year; (b) They will come to terms with DE Antonio Smith on a deal loaded with incentives; (c) They like the depth they have with Calais Campbell, Kenny Iwebema, Gabe Watson, Alan Branch and Keilen Dykes and will focus on bringing that depth along in a big way.

7. LB Moves: This is where things get very interesting. (a) The Cardinals will not slap the franchise tag again on Karlos Dansby this year and will make a strong effort to re-sign him...but odds are he will take an offer somewhere else...which is OK because the Cardinals do have a plan. (b) They will try to get Chike Okeafor to take a pay cut the way Berry did. It's possible Okeafor would take the deal, but not likely. Again this is OK because the Cardinal have a plan. Their plan? (c) The Cardinals use both their first round picks on 3-4 linebacker types...they will take two from this pool of players: (1) Rey Maualuga, USC; (2) Brian Cushing, USC; (3) Brandon Spikes, Florida; (4) George Selvie, South Florida; (5) Tyson Jackson, LSU; (6) Everette Brown, Florida St.; (7) Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech. The best fits: Maualuga (takes Dansby's WILB spot) and Cushing (takes Okeafor's SOLB spot). (d) Keep an eye on UFA LB Leroy Hill of Seattle as one of the Cardinals' primary off-season targets.

8. DB Moves: (a) The Cardinals do not re-sign Eric Green, instead they draft another DB in the second or third round from a pool of the likes of: (1) Victor Macho Harris, CB, Virginia Tech; (2) William Moore, FS, Missouri; (3) Nic Harris, FS, Oklahoma; (4) DeAndre Wright, CB, New Mexico; (5) Vontae Davis, CB/S, Illinois; (6) Courtney Greene, FS, Rutgers.

9. ST Moves: (a) The Cardinals WILL draft a punter this year...most likely Chris Miller of Ball State or Kevin Huber of Cincinnati in the sixth round.

 

[Duckjake]

Cardinals sign Kurt Warner to a two year deal, with a club option on a third. Even though Warner is 37, he's in good physical shape (he was able to benefit a great deal from not playing all that much since he left St. Louis--this is his first full season since then),

However, Warner has over 1000 pass attempts in the past two seasons. Behind the Car*inal offensive line that will take its toll on any QB. Even one 10 years younger.

 

[slanidrac16]

In your scenario should Warner get hurt, wear down or suddenly turn into the 08 version of Brett Favre, we are left with Brian St Pierre running this ship?

I just can't see us dealing Leinart. But to play along, if we did we would have to get a veteran back-up. Who's out there? Who may be available? Derek Anderson? Rex Grossman? Byron Leftwich? If YOU don't believe Leinart can be our QOF, what makes you think the Jets or anybody else would?

Warner and Q are the 2 pivitol players this off season. Warner could just as easily retire for his family. As loaded as we are at WR , Q could get us a boatload in return in an offseason where there will be very few wr's available with his credentials.

Warner will start this years carousel and that will determine a lot of what path we end up taking.

 

[DoTheDew]

1. This would be a very short sighted move and very risky given Warner's injury history. St. Pierre is a nice 3rd QB but not the type you want as the backup to a guy who has been injured multiple times and will be 38.
2. James Davis in the 3rd or 4th would be a good pickup. As long as they don't use a 1st rounder on him I will be happy with him.
3. This will be interesting, as Whisenhunt will never have the style of offense he wants if they have two top WRs on big deals. There just won't be enough cap space left for OL and defense to play smashmouth football.
4. Scary to think of going into next season with the same TEs that we had this year.
5. Likely scenario, but unfortunate, we need to bring in some competent veterans who can push or replace some of our more poorly performing linemen.
6/7. This doesn't really improve our poor pass rush. Maybe a draft pick, maybe a FA? Keeping all the same players or replacing them only with rookies would be foolish IMO.
8. Solid crop of DBs in the draft. If we are lucky maybe one could be groomed as Hood's eventual replacement.
9. I hope so. Speaking of Ball State, what would you think of their QB as a replacement to groom if we did trade Leinart?

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

St. Pierre as the backup would be a huge mistake; cards keep Leinart.

I say Trade Dockett and throw the bank at Vince Wilfork...

Must Draft another LB or 2, a CB or 2.

Draft the Tight End from Oklahoma State in 2nd rd if available.

 

[football karma]

Leinart hasnt played enough to generate the stats for his escalator

 

[azsouthendzone]

Somebody please smash Mitch's crystal ball.

 

[vince56]

Leinart has looked good when he's played this season. He has great touch on his long passes and is the only QB we have who's successfully executed a rollout play action this year.

His situation is similiar to Steve Young's. Bide your time behind the hall of fame QB, and in a year or so you'll get your shot.

No way he leaves.

 

[imaCafan]

If Dansby walks it's because we signed Suggs (at least that is what I hope)......

 

[Mitch]

If Dansby walks it's because we signed Suggs (at least that is what I hope)......

That's a great thought, imaCafan. We need pass rushers...but we also need sure tacklers who can play physical at the point of attack.

As for Brian St. Pierre, Slan, I think he is a lot better than anyone really knows at this point. He knows the system very well and he's an above average athlete with an accurate arm. Has Tom Brady like attributes...hangs in the pocket well, has good footwork, a quick snappy release and is very competitive.

Vince: the Cardinals either have to commit to Leinart this off-season or never, IMO. If Warner starts again next year, how can the team possible fork over $15M cool ones to Leinart in 2010 when he hasn't proven himself? This is why a decision on Leinart is so imminent, and why it would make sense to trade him---to a team that would restructure his contract.

enfuego: Yes, Leinart's first year snaps triggered the escalator clause. It's a reality...a $15M in 2010 reality. Another Fitz type conundrum.

 

[Shogun]

Somebody please smash Mitch's crystal ball.

LOL.

Anywho, Kurt Warner is NOT in good physical shape.

Selvie and Johnson are better off left at DE, and Tyson Jackson standing up? LMAO. He's about as pure a 3-4 end you're going to get. If we are going to rely on a linebacker corp of: Chike, Draft pick, Hayes, and Laboy we would regress on defense. Linebackers make the 3-4 work and those guys are not going to get it done.

 

[joeshmo]

enfuego: Yes, Leinart's first year snaps triggered the escalator clause. It's a reality...a $15M in 2010 reality. Another Fitz type conundrum.

Nit picking here ad it only concerns the terms being thrown around.

It isnt an escalator. He hasnt reached any of those. Escalators raise future base salaries, hence the term escalate. It is what Fitz had. His base salaries rose to over 10 Mill once he went to two pro bowls.

What Matt would get is an Option bonus in 2010. All he needs to do to get it is to just be on the roster in 2010.

 

[Mitch]

Nit picking here ad it only concerns the terms being thrown around.

It isnt an escalator. He hasnt reached any of those. Escalators raise future base salaries, hence the term escalate. It is what Fitz had. His base salaries rose to over 10 Mill once he went to two pro bowls.

What Matt would get is an Option bonus in 2010. All he needs to do to get it is to just be on the roster in 2010.

It was for playing in 25% of the snaps his rookie year.

 

[joeshmo]

As for Brian St. Pierre, Slan, I think he is a lot better than anyone really knows at this point. He knows the system very well and he's an above average athlete with an accurate arm. Has Tom Brady like attributes...hangs in the pocket well, has good footwork, a quick snappy release and is very competitive.

Still not sure how a total of 30 preseason attempts that you have seen tells you all of this. The guy hasnt thrown a single ball in a real game in 6 years and will be 30. If he was a lot better then anyone really knows at this point wouldnt you think someone would have realized that after 6 seasons and by the age of 30?

 

[ajcardfan]

Somebody please smash Mitch's crystal ball.

Don't worry. Based on his past predictions I'm pretty sure it's made out of concrete.


















Mitch, I love ya, but I couldn't resist.

 

[Mitch]

LOL.

Anywho, Kurt Warner is NOT in good physical shape.

Selvie and Johnson are better off left at DE, and Tyson Jackson standing up? LMAO. He's about as pure a 3-4 end you're going to get. If we are going to rely on a linebacker corp of: Chike, Draft pick, Hayes, and Laboy we would regress on defense. Linebackers make the 3-4 work and those guys are not going to get it done.

Warner is in a lot better shape than he was last year. He's remained realtively healthy all year despite the pounding he's taken.

Warner turned in a Pro Bowl season worthy of MVP consideration. So many of you want to magnify his shortcomings...but the bottom line is he puts points on the board in a big way and he gets the ball consistently in the hands of the team's most talented players: 75 plus catches and over 1,000 yards individually and 25 TDs combined for Fitz, Q and Miracle Baby.

As for the LB situation, signing Leroy Hill and drafting Maualuga would make that foursome pretty dynamic, wouldn't you think?

 

[Mitch]

Don't worry. Based on his past predictions I'm pretty sure it's made out of concrete.


















Mitch, I love ya, but I couldn't resist.

It's all right, AJ. You're right, my predictions are not always very accurate, to say the least. But, I do feel vindicated for having insisted on Warner as this year's QB even from the minute Whiz named Leinart the starter at the end of last season. Of course, with the points and yards Warner put up the second half of last year playing with one arm, that was reason enough to want to keep the status quo, and Warner was even better this year.

I still maintain that if the Cardinals could match this high scoring offense with an above average defense, they could be legitimate Super Bowl contenders...which is why I still want the status quo on offense and some significant changes on defense, starting with a new DC and the acquisition of some better, more physical tacklers...and some cover DBs who can make plays on the ball the way DRC has been doing in recent weeks.

 

[joeshmo]

As for the LB situation, signing Leroy Hill and drafting Maualuga would make that foursome pretty dynamic, wouldn't you think?

In a 3-4 Defense, no.

Both are 3-4 ILB types. Unless you are thinking of getting rid of Hayes.

That and Leroy Hill is constantly on the injruy report, is a liability in coverage and doesnt rush the passer all that well. Leroy is to small and not suited for the 3-4 OLB role and is only suited for the WILB role where his severe lack of coverage skills would be a huge hole in our defense.

 

[imaCafan]

Imagine another year with Warner at the helm, passing to Fitz, Breaston (and hopefully Boldin) with an upgrade or two at OL and RB (not sure from where, though). If Kurt had a bit more protection and an average running game he would lights out next year (MVP type)........

 

[Mitch]

In a 3-4 Defense, no.

Both are 3-4 ILB types. Unless you are thinking of getting rid of Hayes.

That and Leroy Hill is constantly on the injruy report, is a liability in coverage and doesnt rush the passer all that well. Leroy is to small and not suited for the 3-4 OLB role and is only suited for the WILB role where his severe lack of coverage skills would be a huge hole in our defense.

Hill always plays tough against the Cardinals...and is a terrific tackler, a better tackler than any LB on the Cardinals' roster. I didn't realize he is such a liability on coverage as you describe...

 

[joeshmo]

I still maintain that if the Cardinals could match this high scoring offense with an above average defense, they could be legitimate Super Bowl contenders...which is why I still want the status quo on offense and some significant changes on defense, starting with a new DC and the acquisition of some better, more physical tacklers...and some cover DBs who can make plays on the ball the way DRC has been doing in recent weeks.

Couldnt agree more with a but though....

But if you keep the status quo on offense do you really think Warner can go another season of throwing the ball over 600 times getting hit more then any other QB has gotten hit this season according to Elias Sports all at the age of 38? Not going to happen, Warner is a Warrior but that stuff catches up to even the youngest and healthiest of QB's. Thus status quo will not work and OL, TE, and RB will have to be upgraded or when we make the playoffs we will have a noodle arm QB on are hands and still cant run the ball.

 

[joeshmo]

Hill always plays tough against the Cardinals...and is a terrific tackler, a better tackler than any LB on the Cardinals' roster. I didn't realize he is such a liability on coverage as you describe...

He can be tough and a good tackler if he isnt playing injured but that doesnt happen that much so far in his 4 year career.

 

[Mitch]

Couldnt agree more with a but though....

But if you keep the status quo on offense do you really think Warner can go another season of throwing the ball over 600 times getting hit more then any other QB has gotten hit this season according to Elias Sports all at the age of 38? Not going to happen, Warner is a Warrior but that stuff catches up to even the youngest and healthiest of QB's. Thus status quo will not work and OL, TE, and RB will have to be upgraded or when we make the playoffs we will have a noodle arm QB on are hands and still cant run the ball.

Good point, Joe. But...I do expect the Cardinals to have a stronger running game next year, for one. Secondly, when the Cardinals go into the spread, hopefully next year they will start to chip on the DEs with the inside receivers and do a better job of maximizing Warner's protection...because when he has the time, he is so incredibly accurate and can practically pick and choose who he throws the ball to.

 

[Mitch]

He can be tough and a good tackler if he isnt playing injured but that doesnt happen that much so far in his 4 year career.

What players would you prefer?

I agree that Hill lacks the prototypical size for a 3-4 OLB. You made a very good point there. What's tantalizing is that Dansby has the right size and pass rushing ability to be real good as a 3-4 OLB, but with the Cardinals he's been stuck inside.

 

[MrYeahBut]

But...I do expect the Cardinals to have a stronger running game next year, for one. .

We all expect that every year