Anquan exposed - read Darren Urban

[Treesquid PhD]

Q knows he needs to cash in NOW, he has earned it and he is getting older and much like RB's in the NFL his reckless YAC style will cause a massive decline in his performance once he hits 30.
Q is not the type of WR that will be able to play into his late 30's, that's the sad fact, the very things that endear him to Cardinal fans (playing WR like a RB) is the thing that is creating the sense of urgency we are seeing with this deal.

 

[Bigdez22]

If he wanted to get paid then he should not have have signed the deal when he did.

He could have played out his deal and got the cash on the free agent market. I dont understand all the love for Q on this one. He signed the deal,thats his fault, and now he is making the team pay for it. He has three years left on his deal. I have no love for q on this one......SHUT UP AND PLAY!!!!!!!!

 

[RugbyMuffin]

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1639852&postcount=1

it has begun

Yeah, League wide. The Cardinals are not the only team going through this ridiculousness.

Just as I said back in March.

Furthermore, I don't think we are one of the teams that are getting the worst of it.

The Bengals are pretty bad right now, and the Jets and Giants are a mess.

Say what you want about the Calvin Pace situation but it seems a lot of us were right about Pace being over paid. He is has become the poster child of "Well, if Calvin Pace is makeing x amount of dollars then I am worth way more than that"

 

[RugbyMuffin]

If he wanted to get paid then he should not have have signed the deal when he did.

He could have played out his deal and got the cash on the free agent market. I dont understand all the love for Q on this one. He signed the deal,thats his fault, and now he is making the team pay for it. He has three years left on his deal. I have no love for q on this one......SHUT UP AND PLAY!!!!!!!!

Don't forget the organization then offered to redo his contract in the middle of last season, eventhough he was hurt, and eventhough he wasn't playing to his past potential.

And he told the organization to sit on it. Now he is complaining about the situation.

He had the oppourtunity to get this done, and if he is angry that it is taking too long to get to his contract then he has no one to blame but himself.

I used to like Q because he was a stand up guy, and a great player. Now I like him cause he is a good player.

I sure wouldn't want him as my captain this year tho.

 

[BigRedRage]

Problem is the playbook has been greatly expanded, and everyone else has been practicing it.

he will be in camp and will learn it. Are you seriously concerned that Q wont be ready to perform? What about his rookie 200+ yard campaign? he only had one training camp under his belt back then.

 

[BigRedRage]

you guys are so high and mighty about sports it is insane. The guy plays football better than 98% of the recievers in the league but is not paid like it. He is near 30 and as said previously, plays like a running back, he will not have a jerry rice style career.

The guy is the best "football player" I have seen on the cardinals. Football player has nothing to do with position, Q has intangibles all over that help him dominate between the sidelines.

He knows he is good and knows he leaves his heart out there, he wants to be paid like it.

If I could go outside and have a holdout at work right now I would and so would you. Just because we are way more replacable at our jobs than Q is there doesnt mean you have to be bitter.

 

[BigRedRage]

Don't forget the organization then offered to redo his contract in the middle of last season, eventhough he was hurt, and eventhough he wasn't playing to his past potential.

And he told the organization to sit on it. Now he is complaining about the situation.

He had the oppourtunity to get this done, and if he is angry that it is taking too long to get to his contract then he has no one to blame but himself.

I used to like Q because he was a stand up guy, and a great player. Now I like him cause he is a good player.

I sure wouldn't want him as my captain this year tho.

They offered a smaller contract than what he wants, I would have said no too.

Give Q a call, let him know his future and family doesnt mean anything and he needs to show up to every single practice ever presented by the cardinals. If he asks for money or takes a day off, he is to be hung and tried for treason.

 

[DaisyCutter]

Q knows he needs to cash in NOW, he has earned it and he is getting older and much like RB's in the NFL his reckless YAC style will cause a massive decline in his performance once he hits 30.
Q is not the type of WR that will be able to play into his late 30's, that's the sad fact, the very things that endear him to Cardinal fans (playing WR like a RB) is the thing that is creating the sense of urgency we are seeing with this deal.

He earned it by catching 71 passes last season? For 853 yards? How does that even make sense?

In other news, Javon Walker was found injured and unconscious on a curb in Las Vegas last night. According to NFL.com, he's listed in "fair" condition following an apparent attempted robbery.

 

[Stout]

he will be in camp and will learn it. Are you seriously concerned that Q wont be ready to perform? What about his rookie 200+ yard campaign? he only had one training camp under his belt back then.

Someone tried to point out that missing OTAs meant nothing. It actually means he's behind, which means he and coaches will have to spend time catching up instead of going further with the playbook. Doesn't mean he won't be ready, but it will make it more work in TC.

 

[Zeno]

They offered a smaller contract than what he wants, I would have said no too.

Give Q a call, let him know his future and family doesnt mean anything and he needs to show up to every single practice ever presented by the cardinals. If he asks for money or takes a day off, he is to be hung and tried for treason.

If this was Larry Fitzgerald doing this he'd be villified. Fitzgerald got roasted for having a contract that paid him too much money, a contract the team gave him--not one he held out for after already signing another deal. Boldin is trying to make more money on a deal he agreed to at the time, can't fault the team in this instance.

Dockett is even more ridiculous.

To me this is shaping up to be ugly and I would not be surprised if both players are about to start their last year with the Cardinals.

 

[joeshmo]

he will be in camp and will learn it. Are you seriously concerned that Q wont be ready to perform? What about his rookie 200+ yard campaign? he only had one training camp under his belt back then.

If it is a concern of the head coach then it is a concern of mine. Like I already mentioned in my recap of Whisenhunts interview he is not going to take the time away from his other players to teach Boldin or Dockett what they missed. He is moving on. He also mentioned that he is concerned that what if it is week 2 and they need to use something that they practiced so they are comfortable with it in that certian situation, he stated he cannot count on a person that missed that. Playing catch up does not lead to a productive training camp.

Again if the HC says it is a concern to himself then it is to me as well.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

They offered a smaller contract than what he wants, I would have said no too.

Give Q a call, let him know his future and family doesnt mean anything and he needs to show up to every single practice ever presented by the cardinals. If he asks for money or takes a day off, he is to be hung and tried for treason.

But if Fitzgerald actually EARNS a new contract and holds up the start of Free Agency it is OK to hang him and try him for treason ?

That, is what we call a double standard.

And sorry, there was NO offer during the season. Boldin/agent said he didn't even want to talk about a new contract till after the team was done dealing with Fitzgerald.

Boldin and his agent made the decision to wait and now they are angry that they have to wait too long. That seems to be a very small window of oppourtunity to get a blockbuster deal done.

And I don't think Boldin or his agent is a complete idiot. They should know that the Cardinals getting Karlos Dansby's deal done would free up more money that can be given to Boldin.

To hold out of the entire OTA's and be considered the captain of our team is bush league. I understand "it is a business", and that is the way the NFL is these days, but if Boldin wants to be held at a higher level then he should have continued to do things diffferently. Like come into OTA, anyway knowing the Cardinals promised to get him a new contract.

The city, fans, organization, and entire team has rallied around Boldin. There is no indication what so ever that the Cardinals are not going to give him his money. He IS the face of the franchise. Yet, he still holds out.

If Boldin is soooo tired of losing. Then he should look in the mirror. These are the little things that hold this organization back. When we spend the season talking about an inch here, a bounce of the ball there, a catch that should have been made, how we could have been 10-6, etc., etc. This is where the problems start. If you REALLY want to turn the corner, and you are really committed to winning then the right thing to do is be with your teammates, ESPECIALLY when the organization has gone out on a limb to say they are going to get a deal done.

That being said I am more angry about his "threats" to hold out of mini-camp. I hope it doesn't happen. Because if Boldin shows up to camp then this all goes away. It is a flash in the pan, a small smudge on the resume.

Finally, I am not concerned about the well being of his family. The guy is making millions of dollars already, and is a lock to make millions more. I think they are pretty well off, and not to worry about rising gas prices, failing economies, etc., etc.

He should get his arse into practice for no other reason than he is our CAPTAIN!!!!!! I don't think ANYONE has a problem with Boldin asking for more money. He deserves it. The issue is with his attendance, his leadership, and his loyalty

 

[DaisyCutter]

But if Fitzgerald actually EARNS a new contract and holds up the start of Free Agency it is OK to hang him and try him for treason ?

That, is what we call a double standard.

And sorry, there was NO offer during the season. Boldin/agent said he didn't even want to talk about a new contract till after the team was done dealing with Fitzgerald.

Boldin and his agent made the decision to wait and now they are angry that they have to wait too long. That seems to be a very small window of oppourtunity to get a blockbuster deal done.

And I don't think Boldin or his agent is a complete idiot. They should know that the Cardinals getting Karlos Dansby's deal done would free up more money that can be given to Boldin.

To hold out of the entire OTA's and be considered the captain of our team is bush league. I understand "it is a business", and that is the way the NFL is these days, but if Boldin wants to be held at a higher level then he should have continued to do things diffferently. Like come into OTA, anyway knowing the Cardinals promised to get him a new contract.

The city, fans, organization, and entire team has rallied around Boldin. There is no indication what so ever that the Cardinals are not going to give him his money. He IS the face of the franchise. Yet, he still holds out.

If Boldin is soooo tired of losing. Then he should look in the mirror. These are the little things that hold this organization back. When we spend the season talking about an inch here, a bounce of the ball there, a catch that should have been made, how we could have been 10-6, etc., etc. This is where the problems start. If you REALLY want to turn the corner, and you are really committed to winning then the right thing to do is be with your teammates, ESPECIALLY when the organization has gone out on a limb to say they are going to get a deal done.

That being said I am more angry about his "threats" to hold out of mini-camp. I hope it doesn't happen. Because if Boldin shows up to camp then this all goes away. It is a flash in the pan, a small smudge on the resume.

Finally, I am not concerned about the well being of his family. The guy is making millions of dollars already, and is a lock to make millions more. I think they are pretty well off, and not to worry about rising gas prices, failing economies, etc., etc.

He should get his arse into practice for no other reason than he is our CAPTAIN!!!!!! I don't think ANYONE has a problem with Boldin asking for more money. He deserves it. The issue is with his attendance, his leadership, and his loyalty

It's been roundly reported that the Cards offered to boost Anquan's salary by $2 million per season for the remainder of his deal as it was becoming obvious that Fitz was going to reach his incentives and have to get an enormous new contract.

If Anquan wants to be paid like one of the Top 5 WRs in the NFL, maybe he should wait for a season when he actually performs like one before having a tantrum, instead of having career-worst seasons and then complaining that he's underpaid.

 

[joeshmo]

The guy plays football better than 98% of the recievers in the league

98% is arguable but for arguements sake lets say he is. He doesnt play in 98% of the games like the 2% of WR's you have put into his category.

Lets say that everything else you say is true and he needs to be paid like a top WR and so on. Every offseason the cap and some other WR's contract is going to make him underpaid for that season. Are we going to have to redo his deal every offseason? Is he going to want a new deal every 2 seasons so he can keep up with new top paid WR of the moment? Sorry but he still has 3 years left on his deal, he is going to have to live with the crappy deal he himself orchastrated just a little while ago.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

To me this is shaping up to be ugly and I would not be surprised if both players are about to start their last year with the Cardinals.

That would suck. Big time.

Dockett being ridiculous is quite right. I could see him complaining next offseason if he played as well as last. But he has had ONE GOOD SEASON, and beside that has been very inconsistant. It is like Calvin Pace all over again.

Boldin...well I already wrote something about that.

I wouldn't want to see either player leave. They both are huge to this current squad, and are needed if we are ever to see the playoffs or sniff at a Super Bowl.

But they gotta get on board. If not they become more harm than good.

 

[DaisyCutter]

That would suck. Big time.

Dockett being ridiculous is quite right. I could see him complaining next offseason if he played as well as last. But he has had ONE GOOD SEASON, and beside that has been very inconsistant. It is like Calvin Pace all over again.

Boldin...well I already wrote something about that.

I wouldn't want to see either player leave. They both are huge to this current squad, and are needed if we are ever to see the playoffs or sniff at a Super Bowl.

But they gotta get on board. If not they become more harm than good.

Ironically, Dockett is probably more valuable to the Franchise and, should he repeat his success from last season (or even build upon it) be more deserving of an upgraded contract. Cardinal fans don't need to be told how difficult it is to find a pass-rushing, disruptive defensive end in the mold of Darnell Dockett. If they do, they could ask a Kansas City Chiefs fan, or a Philadelphia Eagles fan. You don't find them, and they can contribute for a very long time.

If the Cards give a generous contract upgrade to Anquan Boldin coming off the second worst season in his career and after an offseason tantrum, it would represent the emotion-driven decision-making of the pre-Michael Bidwill regime. Good football organizations make football decisions, not emotional ones.

 

[ajcardfan]

I agree with the idea that they just cannot afford to holdout of training camp. Maybe a day or two, just to put an exclamation point on their "statement". But, that will be the extent of it I believe.

As crazy as the Boldin trade scenarios sounded just a couple of months ago, it's getting less crazy by the day.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

you guys are so high and mighty about sports it is insane

In what regard ? That we think we know it all, or is it the whole "He should do this," & "He should do that".

I will have to agree to the latter, but I certainly don't know it all. Far from it.

The guy plays football better than 98% of the recievers in the league but is not paid like it.

Jeez, If K9 was still around you would have a 50 page debate on your hands.

You could say he is better than 98% of the players in the league. As I said before the guy deserves to get paid.

Actually, I would have no problem with the situation if Boldin got stripped of his captain status. Then he could miss what ever time he thinks is best for him. But don't call yourself a captain and not be at every single team function. It is just not the way that kind of thing works.

 

[ajcardfan]

If the Cards give a generous contract upgrade to Anquan Boldin coming off the second worst season in his career and after an offseason tantrum, it would represent the emotion-driven decision-making of the pre-Michael Bidwill regime. Good football organizations make football decisions, not emotional ones.

That's a good point daisy.

That said, Boldin and Dockett are proven good players. Smart management might find a way to keep both happy. A trade would almost certainly involve draft picks only, and I'm tired of pinning my hopes on unproven draft picks. That's one reason I'm looking forward to this season more than others. It's not like DRC has to make the Pro Bowl, or even start, for us to make the playoffs.

 

[joeshmo]

And sorry, there was NO offer during the season. Boldin/agent said he didn't even want to talk about a new contract till after the team was done dealing with Fitzgerald.

Boldin and his agent made the decision to wait and now they are angry that they have to wait too long. That seems to be a very small window of oppourtunity to get a blockbuster deal done.

Graves told them exactly that. Graves said in an interview he told them, "we have the opporunity to do it right now, later we are going to have other priorities (Fitz, Dansby, Draft, Rookie contracts, renegotiations like Berry, and so on) and cannot promise anything.

It isnt like they just told the Cardinals no to the orignal contract which admittedly was just a beginning offer he should not have excepted and lets work on something else. They told them they do not even want to negotiate yet.

 

[DaisyCutter]

That's a good point daisy.

That said, Boldin and Dockett are proven good players. Smart management might find a way to keep both happy. A trade would almost certainly involve draft picks only, and I'm tired of pinning my hopes on unproven draft picks. That's one reason I'm looking forward to this season more than others. It's not like DRC has to make the Pro Bowl, or even start, for us to make the playoffs.

And I give management a huge kudos for trying to do that with Boldin during the season. Offering an extra $6 million ($8 million if 2007 was included) without asking for more years is a pretty good faith effort for a guy that you just re-did.

Losing Anquan Boldin would seem like a big deal, but WRs are replaceable. Green Bay found a way to live without Javon Walker, New England found life without Deion Branch just as sweet. When Marvin Harrison went down with injury, the Colts found a way to soldier on. The Cards have a Pro Bowl WR who has found a way to stay healthy and productive. No one is irreplacable unless he's the guy who touches the ball every play.

 

[earthsci]

Let's hope that Doucet and Campbell turn out to be great picks.

 

[ajcardfan]

And I give management a huge kudos for trying to do that with Boldin during the season. Offering an extra $6 million ($8 million if 2007 was included) without asking for more years is a pretty good faith effort for a guy that you just re-did.

Losing Anquan Boldin would seem like a big deal, but WRs are replaceable. Green Bay found a way to live without Javon Walker, New England found life without Deion Branch just as sweet. When Marvin Harrison went down with injury, the Colts found a way to soldier on. The Cards have a Pro Bowl WR who has found a way to stay healthy and productive. No one is irreplacable unless he's the guy who touches the ball every play.

At the very least, I'd hope that Doucet or Breaston would've shown the
capacity to be solid 2's and 3's before we gave away Boldin. Yes, WR losses can be overcome, but the examples you gave also had run games that must be respected. Green Bay actually had a really bad season or two after Walker left.

 

[slanidrac16]

I have no problems with players wanting new contracts. What I don't understand is whether or not he is planning to come to camp...WHY SAY IT?

It's a PR nightmare. It turns fans off. Here in Chicago people are throwing Urlacher under the bus for the same thing. The guy negotiated a contract extension. He received (at the time) a huge bonus and now it's not enough.

My advice to Q would be just shut up. He has a chance with or without a new contract to be part of something special. NOBODY is irreplaceable. If Q decides to not show up it's not like we have to play with 10 guys on offense. Somebody will play his position. Maybe not as good , but it's not like the opposing defense can let Doucet or Breaston roam free in their secondary and not have to cover them.

I want Q as part of this team. I believe when all is said and done he has no other choice to either show up or retire. He's got 3 years left on his contract. In a way he is lucky the FO didn't just laugh at him about a new contract.

Players are going to have to realize that no matter what contract they sign, they will turn out to be underpaid somewhere down the line......except for Calvin Pace.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

They offered a smaller contract than what he wants, I would have said no too.

Give Q a call, let him know his future and family doesnt mean anything and he needs to show up to every single practice ever presented by the cardinals. If he asks for money or takes a day off, he is to be hung and tried for treason.

Generally, agree with your points. Much ado about very little when it comes to being ready for the season opener.

BIM: a portrait is hung... a human being is hanged.