Cardinals' FA Thoughts

[Mitch]

Top Priorities:

1. DE Chandler Jones—will get the f-tag if long-term deal can’t be agreed.

2. S D.J. Swearinger—his positional flexibility makes him more important to re-sign than Tony Jefferson.

3. DT Calais Campbell—if the Cardinals offer him a deal similar to Michael Bennett’s, hopefully that will be agreeable to him. If he wants more than that, he will hit the market. The way Josh Mauro has emerged as a run stuffer, he could fill CC’s role and then the team could draft a player like Solomon Thomas to rush the passer from the inside.

4. LB Sio Moore—pair him with Deone Bucannon and the defense gets a lot more sudden and athletic. Fua, Martin and Wright compete as backups.

5. TE Darren Fells—the money should be right as he could be poised to have a breakout year. Gresham may be over-priced.

 

[Cardiac]

Fully agree Mitch, these are the must haves. Iyana agrees with me.

 

[TheCardFan]

This guy is a difference maker as a blocking TE. He is not blocking...he is blowing DE's out of the way.

He is also very gifted as a pass catcher (just not used very often). Think about the TE's that have come out of same system at Iowa. This guy will be a solid player in the middle/late rounds. In addition to the blocking...he had a 35 yard TD in this game.

George Kittle - TE

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[DVontel]

If Tony leaves, I will be a little worried about covering Tight Ends. Dude is the main reason Tight Ends don't have career days against us like they used to. He was great at that & was just as great at run defense.

 

[az jam]

I think they will also try to resignT E Jermaine Gresham. He wants to stay here and is their best TE especially from a blocking viewpoint. He took less money than was offered last year from other teams.

 

[AsUpRoDiGy]

Whatever the case may be...the Cards need to shore up the O-Line immediately. Carson Palmer took the 3rd most hits in the league this year (http://www.espn.com/blog/arizona-ca...hows-toughness-despite-third-most-hits-in-nfl), and at 37...he can't sustain that type of abuse and be successful.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

Top Priorities:

1. DE Chandler Jones—will get the f-tag if long-term deal can’t be agreed.

2. S D.J. Swearinger—his positional flexibility makes him more important to re-sign than Tony Jefferson.

3. DT Calais Campbell—if the Cardinals offer him a deal similar to Michael Bennett’s, hopefully that will be agreeable to him. If he wants more than that, he will hit the market. The way Josh Mauro has emerged as a run stuffer, he could fill CC’s role and then the team could draft a player like Solomon Thomas to rush the passer from the inside.

4. LB Sio Moore—pair him with Deone Bucannon and the defense gets a lot more sudden and athletic. Fua, Martin and Wright compete as backups.

5. TE Darren Fells—the money should be right as he could be poised to have a breakout year. Gresham may be over-priced.

Top Priorities:

- Jermaine Gresham, TE

- Chandler Jones, OLB

- Tony Jefferson, SS / D.J. Swearinger, SS

Role Players:

- Stepfan Taylor, HB/FB/ST
- Daniel Fells, TE (RFA)
- John Wetzel, OT (ERFA)
- Olson Pierre, DT (ERFA)
- Josh Mauro, DT (RFA)
- Sio Moore, ILB


If I were the GM, at 30 years old, Calias Campbell would have to do something team friendly for me to keep him around. Very good player. Yet, dare I say I would keep the current stock of defensive linemen (why else did the team keep all those defensive linemen on the roster throughout the year?), and Robert Nkemdiche (like it or not), and try to re-sign Alex Okafor to something "team friendly".

When it comes to Tony Jefferson, maybe the franchise is an option, or matter on what the Cardinals think, could DJ Swearinger be a better option, or at least more of a value per dollar signing ?

The fly in the ointment right now is David Johnson's injury. I simply do not believe he will be a full go for opening day next season, nor should he be rushed back. Can Chris Johnson give it one more go, or is he finally too old ? Does it really matter that much since running backs are relatively a cheap buy these days ? Still it will need to be addressed, and specifically for more pass blocking purposes than anything. Kerwynn Williams can run the ball, he just cannot block to save his life.

It is kind of funny that if I could control the Cardinals like a Madden video game, I already have close to a 53 man roster that I really like.

 

[WildBB]

Guarantee they won't go after a DL early in this draft even if they don't resign CC. Too many other holes to fill along OL, WR, possibly ILB, Secondary, young QBOF very possible.

Some hopefully it's a deep draft as has been the case the last few years in the 2-4+ Rd's. There were many more 2nd Rd. grades last yr. then 1sts, but we have an early pick that may remedy that finally. That's why they rolled the dice with Nkemdiche late 1st last yr. They took a chance. Maybe he comes in with something to prove to at least make the 3rd down rotation.

 

[CFLredzoned]

If I were the GM, at 30 years old, Calias Campbell would have to do something team friendly for me to keep him around. Very good player. Yet, dare I say I would keep the current stock of defensive linemen (why else did the team keep all those defensive linemen on the roster throughout the year?), and Robert Nkemdiche (like it or not), and try to re-sign Alex Okafor to something "team friendly".

I think I'm starting to warm up more to the idea of letting Campbell walk and taking the comp pick. As much as it would suck to lose him, for the $10/11 mil they would save, you could sign 2 to 4 of the Swearinger/Jefferson types we're worried about trying to keep. And I think if there is any spot on the team that could absorb the loss, the DL could handle it the most. With all those young guys, somebody should step up. It won't be Campbell production. But still production. I just think the best bang for buck GM-wise would be to sign the other guys in the spots where we've had problems.

 

[GuernseyCard]

Top Priorities:

- Jermaine Gresham, TE

- Chandler Jones, OLB

- Tony Jefferson, SS / D.J. Swearinger, SS

Role Players:

- Stepfan Taylor, HB/FB/ST
- Daniel Fells, TE (RFA)
- John Wetzel, OT (ERFA)
- Olson Pierre, DT (ERFA)
- Josh Mauro, DT (RFA)
- Sio Moore, ILB


If I were the GM, at 30 years old, Calias Campbell would have to do something team friendly for me to keep him around. Very good player. Yet, dare I say I would keep the current stock of defensive linemen (why else did the team keep all those defensive linemen on the roster throughout the year?), and Robert Nkemdiche (like it or not), and try to re-sign Alex Okafor to something "team friendly".

When it comes to Tony Jefferson, maybe the franchise is an option, or matter on what the Cardinals think, could DJ Swearinger be a better option, or at least more of a value per dollar signing ?

The fly in the ointment right now is David Johnson's injury. I simply do not believe he will be a full go for opening day next season, nor should he be rushed back. Can Chris Johnson give it one more go, or is he finally too old ? Does it really matter that much since running backs are relatively a cheap buy these days ? Still it will need to be addressed, and specifically for more pass blocking purposes than anything. Kerwynn Williams can run the ball, he just cannot block to save his life.

It is kind of funny that if I could control the Cardinals like a Madden video game, I already have close to a 53 man roster that I really like.

It's a grade 1 MCL strain. 6 weeks rehab.

 

[82CardsGrad]

I think I'm starting to warm up more to the idea of letting Campbell walk and taking the comp pick. As much as it would suck to lose him, for the $10/11 mil they would save, you could sign 2 to 4 of the Swearinger/Jefferson types we're worried about trying to keep. And I think if there is any spot on the team that could absorb the loss, the DL could handle it the most. With all those young guys, somebody should step up. It won't be Campbell production. But still production. I just think the best bang for buck GM-wise would be to sign the other guys in the spots where we've had problems.

What is hard to grasp is what the impact of CC's loss would have on Golden and Jones... There is a ton of video and data that suggest that CC's presence free's up Jones and Golden. And if attention is diverted to those two, CC is then able to get into the backfield and be disruptive...
I would rather the Cards do what they can to keep Campbell. I really believe it's possible given Bennett's new deal, which I believe set the ceiling for Campbell. Doesn't mean that some other desperate team won't overpay for Calais... happens every year. But, I also believe that CC wants to win and do so as a Cardinal!

 

[GatorAZ]

What is hard to grasp is what the impact of CC's loss would have on Golden and Jones... There is a ton of video and data that suggest that CC's presence free's up Jones and Golden. And if attention is diverted to those two, CC is then able to get into the backfield and be disruptive...
I would rather the Cards do what they can to keep Campbell. I really believe it's possible given Bennett's new deal, which I believe set the ceiling for Campbell. Doesn't mean that some other desperate team won't overpay for Calais... happens every year. But, I also believe that CC wants to win and do so as a Cardinal!

Want nothing to do with paying Chandler Jones big money unless CC is playing on the same unit. It's a package deal as far as I'm concerned.

 

[CFLredzoned]

What is hard to grasp is what the impact of CC's loss would have on Golden and Jones... There is a ton of video and data that suggest that CC's presence free's up Jones and Golden. And if attention is diverted to those two, CC is then able to get into the backfield and be disruptive...
I would rather the Cards do what they can to keep Campbell. I really believe it's possible given Bennett's new deal, which I believe set the ceiling for Campbell. Doesn't mean that some other desperate team won't overpay for Calais... happens every year. But, I also believe that CC wants to win and do so as a Cardinal!

Yeah, watching Jones and Golden yesterday, it's easy to get enamored with seeing that duo as the catalyst for the defense in the future. And when you're playing a struggling offense with a QB that holds onto the ball, it might be the case. The problem is when you play the ultra quick release offenses like New Orleans and New England, it kind of makes your edge rushers an after thought. With those offenses becoming more and more popular, maybe the interior is the way to go? There's so many moving parts. That's definitely an argument for Campbell though - interior being the shortest path to quick release QBs. Then there's Rogers, who just loops around the interior pressure.

 

[JeffGollin]

I think I'm starting to warm up more to the idea of letting Campbell walk and taking the comp pick. As much as it would suck to lose him, for the $10/11 mil they would save, you could sign 2 to 4 of the Swearinger/Jefferson types we're worried about trying to keep. And I think if there is any spot on the team that could absorb the loss, the DL could handle it the most. With all those young guys, somebody should step up. It won't be Campbell production. But still production. I just think the best bang for buck GM-wise would be to sign the other guys in the spots where we've had problems.

Based on our experience: Never, never, ever expect to get fair value in the way of a comp pick.

 

[Stout]

If Sio Moore is starting ILB for us, I'll burn our stadium to the ground.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Top Priorities:

1. DE Chandler Jones—will get the f-tag if long-term deal can’t be agreed.

2. S D.J. Swearinger—his positional flexibility makes him more important to re-sign than Tony Jefferson.

3. DT Calais Campbell—if the Cardinals offer him a deal similar to Michael Bennett’s, hopefully that will be agreeable to him. If he wants more than that, he will hit the market. The way Josh Mauro has emerged as a run stuffer, he could fill CC’s role and then the team could draft a player like Solomon Thomas to rush the passer from the inside.

4. LB Sio Moore—pair him with Deone Bucannon and the defense gets a lot more sudden and athletic. Fua, Martin and Wright compete as backups.

5. TE Darren Fells—the money should be right as he could be poised to have a breakout year. Gresham may be over-priced.

I agree with all of what you stated and will still include Jefferson, and Williams at RB... it's time to retain a strong foundation on defense and start filling spots with the draft and stop looking at the candy store which is free agency outside of the squad, we have enough talent now

 

[Jetstream Green]

If Sio Moore is starting ILB for us, I'll burn our stadium to the ground.

Bet you won't and you seriously need to take a chill pill or two lol

 

[juza76]

If Sio Moore is starting ILB for us, I'll burn our stadium to the ground.

He played good football for us recently
Long terms I dont know but we can give him a chance to compete

 

[Jetstream Green]

And for the record I must still say re-sign Swearinger, the guy is a great return to the days of Adrian Wilson to an extent and gives this defense an identity which should mesh well with Honey Badge coming back fully healthy

 

[Cardiac]

I don't know if Sio Moore will be starting for us next year but he had better be given a shot to make the team. He is already better that Minter and probably Bucannon.

 

[JeffGollin]

Stout - Why are you down on Sio Moore?

Not only did he have 2 strong games in a row for us (including tackles in double-figures vs. Seattle); he was listed as questionable for the "meaningless" Ram game but gutted it out anyway and had another strong outing.

 

[Mainstreet]

Yeah, watching Jones and Golden yesterday, it's easy to get enamored with seeing that duo as the catalyst for the defense in the future. And when you're playing a struggling offense with a QB that holds onto the ball, it might be the case. The problem is when you play the ultra quick release offenses like New Orleans and New England, it kind of makes your edge rushers an after thought. With those offenses becoming more and more popular, maybe the interior is the way to go? There's so many moving parts. That's definitely an argument for Campbell though - interior being the shortest path to quick release QBs. Then there's Rogers, who just loops around the interior pressure.

I want to keep Cambell as well.

Please post again to get off 666 posts.

 

[b8rtm8nn]

Stout - Why are you down on Sio Moore?

Not only did he have 2 strong games in a row for us (including tackles in double-figures vs. Seattle); he was listed as questionable for the "meaningless" Ram game but gutted it out anyway and had another strong outing.

Ditto : Sio Moore > Kevin Minter since he got playing time.

 

[Stout]

Stout - Why are you down on Sio Moore?

Not only did he have 2 strong games in a row for us (including tackles in double-figures vs. Seattle); he was listed as questionable for the "meaningless" Ram game but gutted it out anyway and had another strong outing.

I'm not at all down on him. I hope we keep him and give him a shot, but we canNOT pencil him in as a starter heading into the season and expect to be a SB or playoff contender. No way. I'm sick and tired of ignoring the position and just 'getting by'. Maybe he'll end up starter material, but for now, let's strengthen the position.

 

[Chopper0080]

I think the offseason plan should start with re-signing Campbell and Jones, and everything else should flow from that. Swearinger has looked good. Jermaine Gresham has looked good. Sio Moore has looked good. But, if we are going to compete for a Super Bowl, we need that from 7 to be dominant.