2009 Free Agents

[Reddog]

If we upgrade a couple spots via FA here are some names to consider (assuming they haven't been re-upped). If we cut Edge we we free up $$ for Q but then we need a Vet RB to protect Kurt. Not sure there are any great options there beyond Brandon Jacobs. We definitely need some help on the O Line and in the D backfield. Here are some OL and DBs in no particular order. We will also need to figure out DL/LB unless we resign Dansby, Beisel, plus Smith or Berry. I see the first two a priority and the last two replaceable from our own roster plus one FA or draftee.

OL
Marc Colombo, UFA, Dallas Cowboys
Mike Goff, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Mark Tauscher, UFA, Green Bay Packers
Jon Runyan, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles (1 yr to teach nastiness)

DB
Nnamdi Asomugha, UFA, Oakland Raiders
Chris Gamble, UFA, Carolina Panthers
Dawan Landry, RFA, Baltimore Ravens
Dunta Robinson, UFA, Houston Texans

 

[imaCafan]

Nnamdi would be an awesome signing but would cost us Q because of his price,
while Gamble would be a nice upgrade at a lower price. Not sure what to do with the O-line. We have Keith in the wings (but where do we insert him) and our young right side of Deuce and Levi can hopefully get better???? We need a Center in the worst way, too. No one really behind Seindlin. Hope the "Tower" can be half of a "Thunder and Lightning" type RB committee, with the "Lightning" coming from next years draft. It just feels like we are soooooo close, with a FA or two and a good draft, look out NFC! Oh, and hopefully we have a diamond in the rough in DRC!!!!

 

[Mitch]

Good post.

The Cardinals' priority list, IMO:

1. FS. There is no doubt this is the weakest position on the team and has been for two years now. Robert Griffith was a reliable tackler, but he struggled on deep help. The Cardinals need a rangy playmaker back there. Look for Missouri's William Moore or Illinois' Vontae Davis to garner considerable interest and attention from the Cardinals.

2. WILB. Unless Karlos Dansby is tagged again...which would be surprising, IMO, he will be gone. The sleeper to keep an eye on is Stanford's Clinton Snyder (6-3, 230). And the Cardinals will likely be enamored with Pittsburgh's Scott McKillop (6-2, 244), who led the nation last year in tackles per game at 12.4. It would seem unlikely that the Cardinals will be able to get a shot at the two studs, Ray Maualaga (USC) or James Laurinaitis (Ohio St.).

3. OLB. I think the Cardinals may try to sign Bertrand Berry and Clark Haggans to incentive laden deals. Even so, they need an infusion of youth here and will likely try to add a player in the draft such as USC's Zach Follett or Notre Dame's Maurice Crum, Jr.

4. RB. It wouldn't surprise me if the Cardinal selected two RBs in next year's draft. Two players that jump out...all around RB Arias Foster of Tennesse and lightning in a bottle RB C.J. Spiller of Clemson.

5. C. Keep an eye on Penn. St.'s A.Q. Shipley.

6. CB. Depth is needed here in a big way, especially if Eric Green isn't re-signed. DeAndre Wright of New Mexico is likely to garner some interest from the Cardinals.

7. SS. Rutgers' Courtney Greene and Wake Forest's Chip Vaughn may prove to be very attractive.

 

[Pariah]

Here's an unpopular idea: Trade Q and make a strong push for Asomugha.

I think our team would be better off with a pro-bowl WR and a pro-bowl CB than two pro-bowl WRs.

JMHO

 

[bg7brd]

On Gambo and Ash yesterday they said that if the Cards sign Warner for another 2 years they would probably trade Leinart. It's a crazy thought and I know it's with in the division, but what do you guys think of a trade with the 49ers for Vernon Davis. It's a risk for both sides and I'm not saying I like it but I thought I would throw it out there to get some of your thoughts.

I said this in another post, but I think we should trade Boldin. I love Boldin and think he's the heart and soul of the team but Fitz's contract just doesn't allow us to spend 9 or 10 million on another receiver, especially with the play of Breaston. We have Ducet as a solid 3rd and lets not forget about Lance Long on the PS. If we can pick up a first rounder in the trade for Boldin (Oakland??), plus at least a 3rd, we can draft James Laurinaitis or Rey Maualuga if Dansby isn't resigned. If he is resigned we can draft FS and RB in the first.
Suggs was on the radio a couple of weeks ago saying he really wants to play here. With the release of James and Okeafor and the trade of Boldin we could probably afford him. What do you guys think?

 

[Arizona's Finest]

Here's an unpopular idea: Trade Q and make a strong push for Asomugha.

I think our team would be better off with a pro-bowl WR and a pro-bowl CB than two pro-bowl WRs.

JMHO

Or Albert Haynesworth.

I think Asomugha is the best talent/guy at his position. I would love a chance at him.

 

[imaCafan]

Here's an unpopular idea: Trade Q and make a strong push for Asomugha.

I think our team would be better off with a pro-bowl WR and a pro-bowl CB than two pro-bowl WRs.

JMHO

Yes to this deal (sorry Q, but it's the better move for the team)......and no to trading Leinart.......

 

[ajcardfan]

On Gambo and Ash yesterday they said that if the Cards sign Warner for another 2 years they would probably trade Leinart. It's a crazy thought and I know it's with in the division, but what do you guys think of a trade with the 49ers for Vernon Davis. It's a risk for both sides and I'm not saying I like it but I thought I would throw it out there to get some of your thoughts.

I said this in another post, but I think we should trade Boldin. I love Boldin and think he's the heart and soul of the team but Fitz's contract just doesn't allow us to spend 9 or 10 million on another receiver, especially with the play of Breaston. We have Ducet as a solid 3rd and lets not forget about Lance Long on the PS. If we can pick up a first rounder in the trade for Boldin (Oakland??), plus at least a 3rd, we can draft James Laurinaitis or Rey Maualuga if Dansby isn't resigned. If he is resigned we can draft FS and RB in the first.
Suggs was on the radio a couple of weeks ago saying he really wants to play here. With the release of James and Okeafor and the trade of Boldin we could probably afford him. What do you guys think?

Gambo and Ash were just speculating. And, personally, I don't think Leinart would be traded unless we drafted yet another QB on day one. Warner is just too old to make that risky of a gamble.

A Boldin trade is somewhat more likely, but I think only fans are talking about it at this point. Both Graves and Whis, repeatedly, said they want to get a new deal done with Boldin. I think they meant it, and I think they have to at least try or the team will think Boldin was right about them being liars. If Boldin truly wants out, he can probably force it. But, another Rosenhaus client, Lance Briggs, said even harsher things about the Bears. It looked like there was no way in hell he would sign a new deal with Chicago, but he did.


I think we do nothing significant in free agency this year. We will make minor signings and try to do extensions with Warner, Boldin and Wilson.

 

[Buckybird]

I think it would be a major mistake to let Dansby get away in FA or to trade Leinart. Trying to stick a finger in a leaking dyke will only cause more holes. I really believe this team is as close to a championship as we will ever see. Get or draft a FS, re-sign Q add another CB and draft well this next season and I think we are set. Getting rid of Leinart would be stupid!!! The kid has only played ONE full season and still has star potential!!!

 

[CaptTurbo]

I dont think you can franchise the same player more than 1 year in a row Mitch.

I would like Gamble and let Green go or if you can keep Green cheap as a nickle that would be a sweet top 4 DB.

 

[TigToad]

I know its not what Q or his agent want to hear, but he is under contract for 2 more years at a very reasonable pay rate.

If he wants an extension, it can't be like Fitz's, he isn't negotiating from strength. No reason to trade Boldin for less than top dollar and his contract isn't that big, so if Q plays hardball, it does not destroy our salary cap to let him.

Q plays at least one more full year for the Cardinals under his current contract or he resigns for less than Fitz gets.

Cardinals should focus on Dansby first anyway, his is the contract that is up after this year.

 

[ajcardfan]

I dont think you can franchise the same player more than 1 year in a row Mitch.

I would like Gamble and let Green go or if you can keep Green cheap as a nickle that would be a sweet top 4 DB.

You can still franchise a player more than one year in a row, but it's 20% increase over the year before. That would be 10.8 million for Dansby next season.

 

[Doc Cardinal]

What Mitch said.

 

[CardinalChris]

Zack Follett plays for Cal. FS is one of the easier positions to find an acceptable starter in. But I don't think it is our biggest need. Few FS make plays in defenses. I would put O-line, RB, DT and OLB as bigger needs.

 

[Buckybird]

FS is one of the easier positions to find an acceptable starter in.

Really? I've been a Cards fan since the early 70's and the only solid FS's I can remember this franchise having is Larry Wilson, Lonnie Young and Kwammie. Am I wrong?

 

[overseascardfan]

I'd target Gamble and Jordan Gross, whom I thought was a FA this year as well.

Keep Dansby and draft a guy like Taylor Mays if he drops to us or settle for a guy like James Davis who I'd prefer over his teammate Spiller.

 

[CardinalChris]

Really? I've been a Cards fan since the early 70's and the only solid FS's I can remember this franchise having is Larry Wilson, Lonnie Young and Kwammie. Am I wrong?

You sure are. I didn't say the Cardinals had success doing this, just as a trend acceptable FS can be found fairly inexpensively.