A Few Thoughts on the Off-Season

[Harry]

As for the draft, it won’t take much of a run on lineman to kill all the sure things. I wouldn’t gamble with the 20th pick. So if he declares, I’d take Vic Beasley, the OLB from Clemson. I’ll give you more on QBs later, but if they take one I’m thinking round 3 or later.

If you recall Dansby’s last exit, he’ll go where the money is and I couldn’t justify that cap hit in Arizona. If he’s less than $3mil, I’d pay it; but he won’t be.

Unlike most of the press, I think Mendenhall stays. He was easily the best short yardage back the Cards had and the coach likes him. His price shouldn’t go up.

I’m keeping Ballard and Dray if I’m making the call.

Shaughnessy was worth the money if it doesn’t change. Ta’amu is a no brainer.

The toughest call is Feely. I’d have to be very confident of a replacement to let him go. Zastudil is an easier call and should be kept.

Winston’s future would depend on the draft, so he’d wait or leave.

Roberts (cost), Bell (pass coverage) and Rucker (cost) would be moving on.
I have no strong opinion on the others; it’s just supply and demand.

 

[Cardiac]

I would like the stars to align and the Cards finally draft a pass rushing OLBer.

Probably why we hear the rumors that the Cards are going to address LT in FA, too much of a risk the good ones will be gone by pick 20 as you stated.

Not feeling the Mendy love but I think you are correct.

I agree about Ballard and if Dray comes cheap enough then sure.

Looking forward to you QB thread.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Harry good thoughts but why do people think Dansby is some old guy about to fall over. When you play at the level he played this season and you make a demand that you will only take a 3 million seasonal cap hit for his services sounds off base in my opinion

 

[RugbyMuffin]

As for the draft, it won’t take much of a run on lineman to kill all the sure things. I wouldn’t gamble with the 20th pick. So if he declares, I’d take Vic Beasley, the OLB from Clemson. I’ll give you more on QBs later, but if they take one I’m thinking round 3 or later.

Agreed. The 20th pick is a tough place in this draft. I don't think the LT we want, or the QBOF we want will be there.

Beasley is a good choice. I would say the wildcard at that spot is a tight end.

If you recall Dansby’s last exit, he’ll go where the money is and I couldn’t justify that cap hit in Arizona. If he’s less than $3mil, I’d pay it; but he won’t be.

The NFL is a business.

I want Dansby to come back and retire a Cardinal, but as stated, the price is going to dictate that.

Not to mention there will be a lot of very good veteran ILBers available this offseason. Not to mention I am a poster that believes in letting Kevin Minter get his chance. Nothing wrong getting stuck behind an All-Pro player.

Unlike most of the press, I think Mendenhall stays. He was easily the best short yardage back the Cards had and the coach likes him. His price shouldn’t go up.

Unless Mendenhall loses his mind, he is not going to be the one making demands for him to be re-signed. Much like Dansby, Mendenhall is going into a market with a lot of big name veteran running backs that can be had for cheap.

I’m keeping Ballard and Dray if I’m making the call.

Both good players. I have no problem keeping them. Yet, there is going to be a lot of opportunity to upgrade the position. Thus I would bring them into camp but upgrades may be available at the same price.

Shaughnessy was worth the money if it doesn’t change.

Matt Shaughnessy is my #1 priority to resign this offseason, if I am running the show, and for more money ? No problem. Just get him back on this roster. He isn't flashy but he was a huge piece to this defense.

Ta’amu is a no brainer.

He is a RFA, or EFA (I don't remember) but he will be back.

The toughest call is Feely. I’d have to be very confident of a replacement to let him go.

There may be some opportunity, especially with the "flat cap" for this offseason.

Zastudil is an easier call and should be kept.

Agreed.

Winston’s future would depend on the draft, so he’d wait or leave.

Strange situation. Massie was touted to be ready to go, and then....no. Winston ..... I am not sure about Winston. His age, his ability, the fact he only was offered a 1 year deal. I am not sure where the Cardinals stand with Winston. All bets are off concerning him, as far as I am concerned. I would not be surprised if they re-sign him before free agency, or at any time after, or not at all.

Roberts (cost), Bell (pass coverage) and Rucker (cost) would be moving on.
I have no strong opinion on the others; it’s just supply and demand.

Roberts = gone

Bell = gone

Rucker = matters on his price. Good depth guy, IMO.

 

[Twist18]

As for the draft, it won’t take much of a run on lineman to kill all the sure things. I wouldn’t gamble with the 20th pick. So if he declares, I’d take Vic Beasley, the OLB from Clemson. I’ll give you more on QBs later, but if they take one I’m thinking round 3 or later.

If you recall Dansby’s last exit, he’ll go where the money is and I couldn’t justify that cap hit in Arizona. If he’s less than $3mil, I’d pay it; but he won’t be.

Unlike most of the press, I think Mendenhall stays. He was easily the best short yardage back the Cards had and the coach likes him. His price shouldn’t go up.

I’m keeping Ballard and Dray if I’m making the call.

Shaughnessy was worth the money if it doesn’t change. Ta’amu is a no brainer.

The toughest call is Feely. I’d have to be very confident of a replacement to let him go. Zastudil is an easier call and should be kept.

Winston’s future would depend on the draft, so he’d wait or leave.

Roberts (cost), Bell (pass coverage) and Rucker (cost) would be moving on.
I have no strong opinion on the others; it’s just supply and demand.

Beasley is on the list as of today. Harry, what are your thoughts on De'Anthony Thomas?

 

[CFLredzoned]

If you recall Dansby’s last exit, he’ll go where the money is and I couldn’t justify that cap hit in Arizona. If he’s less than $3mil, I’d pay it; but he won’t be.

But then how will he get his jersey in the ring of honor?

Unlike most of the press, I think Mendenhall stays. He was easily the best short yardage back the Cards had and the coach likes him. His price shouldn’t go up.

Yeah, I agree there too. He looked good at the end of the season. He had burst. Hit the holes better. I'm sure they're not sold on Taylor. I thought he looked great in the Atlanta game. But after that, he just looks small and slow. Mende isn't huge or lightning fast, but he's a good combination - and seemed to be a good complement to Juke at the end of the season.

Roberts (cost), Bell (pass coverage) and Rucker (cost) would be moving on.

I'm not so sure on Roberts any more. Based on September conversation, yeah he's gone. But they did a really good job of keeping this guy off the display case for the last half of the season. I'm not saying they did that on purpose. But I just don't know what kind of market there will be for him when if you look at the game tape from the last 3 months, he has a few moments. But nothing to make GM's really take notice. Maybe he's built up enough reputation points from last year. Then again, all it takes is one team to offer him more money. Plus, he might just want more playing time. It might even come down to that.

 

[Harry]

Thomas could be an impact player, but duplicates Ellington in many respects. Considering his medical concerns I'm guessing he's not on the Cards' board. I think they could well take a late round running back. BTW I think they liked what they saw of Taylor. He was raw but showed short yardage potential.

 

[desertdawg]

I love me some Feely, but he's gotta go. I love me some Dansby, but he's gotta stay. Those 2 moves will help us out.

 

[football karma]

Harry good thoughts but why do people think Dansby is some old guy about to fall over. When you play at the level he played this season and you make a demand that you will only take a 3 million seasonal cap hit for his services sounds off base in my opinion

I think it's market. The worst thing a team can do to its cap is sign an older player to a big deal and than have that guy go south-- it can happen fast.

I think any team thinking of Dansby has to ask: Did we just see his career year? How much was a product of scheme?

It's one thing to pay a younger guy expecting all Pro, but instead getting "better than average". With an older player, you pay for borderline all Pro, and may end up with a liability by the second year of the deal.

 

[juza76]

Kevin minter if he doesnt get fat can be a navorro bowman type of player

 

[Chopper0080]

As for the draft, it won’t take much of a run on lineman to kill all the sure things. I wouldn’t gamble with the 20th pick. So if he declares, I’d take Vic Beasley, the OLB from Clemson. I’ll give you more on QBs later, but if they take one I’m thinking round 3 or later.

If you recall Dansby’s last exit, he’ll go where the money is and I couldn’t justify that cap hit in Arizona. If he’s less than $3mil, I’d pay it; but he won’t be.

Unlike most of the press, I think Mendenhall stays. He was easily the best short yardage back the Cards had and the coach likes him. His price shouldn’t go up.

I’m keeping Ballard and Dray if I’m making the call.

Shaughnessy was worth the money if it doesn’t change. Ta’amu is a no brainer.

The toughest call is Feely. I’d have to be very confident of a replacement to let him go. Zastudil is an easier call and should be kept.

Winston’s future would depend on the draft, so he’d wait or leave.

Roberts (cost), Bell (pass coverage) and Rucker (cost) would be moving on.
I have no strong opinion on the others; it’s just supply and demand.

1-Beasley will definitely be an option at #20 as well as Ebron and Amaro will.

2-Dansby is worth a pay increase. You say 3 mil is tops, I would argue the Cards should go up to 5. He is the leader a top defense needs and he was the one who kept everything together. Washington is a hot head and has off field issues. Campbell is quiet. Peterson is a corner. Dockett is a hot head. Dansby is the guy this defense needs to keeop.

3-I also think Mendenhall stays but the Cards will be tested if he expects are raise. It is a great RB draft class even late and those players will be even cheaper than Mendenhall. I'm not sure the Cardinals want to go that young at RB, but they will consider it. Maybe re-sign Mendenhall and then sign an UDFA.

4-Shaughnessy will be trickier than Dansby IMO. Dansby's age sets the market for him, but Shaughnessy is under 30 and an edge player. He is not a big pass rusher but he is a physical force off the edge. If you think he will be re-signing for 1 mil again you are mistaken. Also, with Okafer, Acho, Abraham and Benard all possibly on the roster, I don't see the Cardinals paying the 3 or 4 mil Shaughnessy probably gets.

5-The TE position needs to be upgraded and is a huge part of this offense. Creating a more vertical offense is going to be a priority this offseason in both big sets and spread sets. A top TE installs a vertical passing threat in run sets which the Cardinals current crop of TEs just can't do.

6-You are right. Feely is gone, Zasty is staying.

7-The Winston decision will be made before the draft. If he is not re-signed, the Cardinals are counting on Massie starting at RT. They may still draft an OT, but it won't be in round 1 and I doubt they want to start a rookie mid round RT.

 

[perivolaki]

4-Shaughnessy will be trickier than Dansby IMO. Dansby's age sets the market for him, but Shaughnessy is under 30 and an edge player. He is not a big pass rusher but he is a physical force off the edge. If you think he will be re-signing for 1 mil again you are mistaken. Also, with Okafer, Acho, Abraham and Benard all possibly on the roster, I don't see the Cardinals paying the 3 or 4 mil Shaughnessy probably gets.

Does anybody think they may look at Dockett moving on and replace him with Shaughnessy?

I believe his normal position has been defensive end before he got here.

 

[Garthshort]

Offseason should be very interesting. I have faith that BASK will do a good job, but naturally not everyone will be pleased. Most seem to agree that Feely should be released, but as Casey Stengel said in the NY Mets expansion draft when he took a catcher (Hoby Landrith??) with the first pick, "That if you don't have a catcher, every pitch will roll to the backstop". Well in FB you need a kicker, or you can't start the game, so who is the replacement?

 

[Chopper0080]

Does anybody think they may look at Dockett moving on and replace him with Shaughnessy?

I believe his normal position has been defensive end before he got here.

4-3 DE not a 3-4. I don't believe Shaughnessy has the size to hold up at DE in the 3-4. Also, Dockett is not the problem and needs to be kept around for at least next year. No reason to create more roster holes especially with our DL depth being so limited.

 

[Duckjake]

The key thing is that all the guys listed in Harry's post other than maybe Dansby are irrelevant to the future success of the team. Mendenhall, Ballard, Dray, Shaunessey, Feely, Winston, Roberts, Bell and Rucker? Not much to write home about with that group.

 

[Totally_Red]

The key thing is that all the guys listed in Harry's post other than maybe Dansby are irrelevant to the future success of the team. Mendenhall, Ballard, Dray, Shaunessey, Feely, Winston, Roberts, Bell and Rucker? Not much to write home about with that group.

Disagree about Shaugnessy. He is a key role player, young and an above average run defender. He and 'Los are the two priorities IMO.

Winston would be nice to keep at the right price. Same with Dray & Ballard.

 

[Denny Green Fan]

Disagree about Shaugnessy. He is a key role player, young and an above average run defender. He and 'Los are the two priorities IMO.

Winston would be nice to keep at the right price. Same with Dray & Ballard.

If it comes down to Dansby or Shaugnessy I am paying Matt. Keep the

younger player. Plus we have Minter (winner at LSU ) to take that spot.

 

[Chopper0080]

If it comes down to Dansby or Shaugnessy I am paying Matt. Keep the

younger player. Plus we have Minter (winner at LSU ) to take that spot.

and I would rather keep Dansby because I am more comfortable with the decrease from Shaughnessy to Acho/Alexander than I am with the decrease from Dansby to Minter.

Shaughnessy is a nice player but he is just that, a nice player. I really would like the Cards to find a way to keep him but not at the expense of Dansby or a top free agent like Albert, Monroe, Talib, Grimes, Byrd, Mack, Ward or Pitta.

Just to rosterbate, but could you imagine adding a CB like Talib across from Peterson in our man scheme...that would be a dirty defense especially when Mathieu came back.

 

[Totally_Red]

and I would rather keep Dansby because I am more comfortable with the decrease from Shaughnessy to Acho/Alexander than I am with the decrease from Dansby to Minter.

Shaughnessy is a nice player but he is just that, a nice player. I really would like the Cards to find a way to keep him but not at the expense of Dansby or a top free agent like Albert, Monroe, Talib, Grimes, Byrd, Mack, Ward or Pitta.

Just to rosterbate, but could you imagine adding a CB like Talib across from Peterson in our man scheme...that would be a dirty defense especially when Mathieu came back.

What do you think of MSU cornerback Darqueze Dennard? I haven't seen much of him except in the Rose Bowl. I'm just curious if he would fit in Todd Bowles' defense.

 

[Twist18]

What do you think of MSU cornerback Darqueze Dennard? I haven't seen much of him except in the Rose Bowl. I'm just curious if he would fit in Todd Bowles' defense.

I have watched him alot being a big 10 fan and he is a very good CB. Reminds me of a young Antoine Winfield. Very good in run support.

 

[kerouac9]

Kevin minter if he doesnt get fat can be a navorro bowman type of player

This is utter nonsense.

Also, Kevin Minter was picked 9 spots ahead of Jamie Collins. So, basically a good pick all around.

 

[Capital Card]

Dansby should be a big priority for us. He strikes me as THE leader of our Defense. According to Keim and Michal Bidwill, we're prepared to accept the $18MM cap hit from Larry to keep his "intangibles" in the locker-room.

I think Dansby easy brings $4-5MM of leadership for what I think is one of the top 3 defenses of the this past year. Seems to me, it shouldn't be too hard to structure a 4 year deal for Los (he is exactly 4 years younger than Abraham) where he sees a 7 figure payout (including up-front bonus money) for 2014 and gets to retire a Cardinal in 2017.

Oh, and I also think Mendenhall will be back in 2014, but it will be at a discounted rate. And I've been on the Ebron at 20 train for awhile, but as always, reserve my right to deny ever wanting him as we get farther after the draft.

Go Cards!!!

 

[Chopper0080]

What do you think of MSU cornerback Darqueze Dennard? I haven't seen much of him except in the Rose Bowl. I'm just curious if he would fit in Todd Bowles' defense.

He is very physical which is a good trait but he got away with a ton of downfield contact in college that I don't think he gets away with in the pros. His ability to trust his feet and play with minimal contact down the field will be his big struggle in the NFL. If he can get that down, he has Aquib Talib type skills and would work well in a man scheme.

 

[Chopper0080]

This is utter nonsense.

Also, Kevin Minter was picked 9 spots ahead of Jamie Collins. So, basically a good pick all around.

I sure liked Collins coming out of college and am happy to see he is successful. For all of my crappy OG scouting, when it comes to LB, I have been pretty good. I hit Jaime Collins, KJ Wright, Bobby Wagner, and Kiko Alonso the past couple years. Of course, I did miss on Aaron Curry so ugh.

I still don't get the Minter pick though I guess you can't count on signing Dansby and him having a pro bowl type year.

 

[MadCardDisease]

As for the draft, it won’t take much of a run on lineman to kill all the sure things. I wouldn’t gamble with the 20th pick. So if he declares, I’d take Vic Beasley, the OLB from Clemson. I’ll give you more on QBs later, but if they take one I’m thinking round 3 or later.

If you recall Dansby’s last exit, he’ll go where the money is and I couldn’t justify that cap hit in Arizona. If he’s less than $3mil, I’d pay it; but he won’t be.

Unlike most of the press, I think Mendenhall stays. He was easily the best short yardage back the Cards had and the coach likes him. His price shouldn’t go up.

I’m keeping Ballard and Dray if I’m making the call.

Shaughnessy was worth the money if it doesn’t change. Ta’amu is a no brainer.

The toughest call is Feely. I’d have to be very confident of a replacement to let him go. Zastudil is an easier call and should be kept.

Winston’s future would depend on the draft, so he’d wait or leave.

Roberts (cost), Bell (pass coverage) and Rucker (cost) would be moving on.
I have no strong opinion on the others; it’s just supply and demand.

Harry I like Beasley as well. If he declares and makes it all the way to #20 I would love to see the Cardinals draft him. A pass rusher early in the draft should be a high priority if one is available when they pick.

I agree with your free agent assessment as well. Not much money to go around this year. The ghost of Rod Graves' contracts lives on. (already $10M in dead money this year and counting)


What are your thoughts on Fitzgerald and his contract? His cap number the next couple of years is going to be outrageous. Do they move some money around and kick the can down the road a few more years or do you think they try and move him?