Cards not planning go after big names FA

[Cbus cardsfan]

Looking at the other side,the last 3 Super Bowl winners ,Pitts and NE, never seem to bring in any high profile free agents and just get guys that fit their system. I can see Green doing that. It's nice to make the big splash in free agency but, for some reason, the results don't usually translate into wins on the field. I would be happy with a list similar to the one posted earlier with Bentley,Keamouto, Demps,and Davenport. Throw in a Jamar Fletcher and i think it would be a pretty good free agecy. They fill needs and then you draft BPA all the way through.

 

[Pariah]

FWIW, Edge will most certainly have "something to prove.". Indy, in releasing him, is basically saying "you're not an important part of this record-breaking offense."

Edge will want to have the type of season that says, "yes I am."

 

[NEZCardsfan]

I still believe that the Cards could have a great FA if they don't even talk to:

Alexander
James
J. Lewis
Bentley
Hutchinson
Clements

I know we finished 5-11 last year....but talent wise I don't think we have that far to go.

We have to add a little more depth at CB, maybe a FS, MLB, DT depth, blocking TE, QBOF, shortyardage RB.................stay healthy and coach well.

 

[vinnymac]

i guess it is wait and watch time

 

[Shane]

I still believe that the Cards could have a great FA if they don't even talk to:

Alexander
James
J. Lewis
Bentley
Hutchinson
Clements

I know we finished 5-11 last year....but talent wise I don't think we have that far to go.

We have to add a little more depth at CB, maybe a FS, MLB, DT depth, blocking TE, QBOF, shortyardage RB.................stay healthy and coach well.

Def asking a lot from this staff.

 

[joeshmo]

Would it be nice to have a big name. heck yes. But....

I would rather have 6 Solid starters then 1 big name and 3 below average guys. I truley believe you are only as strong as your weakest link, so having solid starters from top to bottom is the route I would rather take.

As for all of this Huff talk, you may have still not liked his play (which I think is debatable, but will save that for another time) but he was still a huge upgrade to the 2004 WLB spot, he was a good FA pickup in that regard, especially considering his price.

If we upgrade spots along the OL, DT, and FS with solid starters we will be much further along and much upgrade compared to last year would we not? In fact I say we are a good playoff team if that happens.

Also take a look at the big time, big name, big contract FA signings of guys switching teams from the last 3 years or so. More times then not those signings didnt turn out like they thought they would and look to be bad contracts now.

Also Green and Graves said huge contracts that Alexander or James would get. They didnt say they wont spend money, such as that of Okeafer and Berry who recieved some pretty good contracts in the 30 Mill. You have 4 types of FA's. Your elites who are Alexander and James who will get huge money. Then you have your top tier guys such as our very own Berry and Okeafer and maybe Lewis or Bentley who will not get nearly as much as Alexander or James, then you have your mid tier guys such as the Macklins of the world who are solid starter and make your team better, then you have your low tier low money guys such as Femi who play their role, then your low tier and bust FA's. The article says we wont sign any Elite type FA's, doesnt mean we wont go after top tier FA's or mid tier FA's. There are still a lot of good players to be had besides an Alexander or James.

Now if we dont go after and sign any top tier FA's, then I will be pissed.

 

[Duckjake]

I still believe that the Cards could have a great FA if they don't even talk to:

Alexander
James
J. Lewis
Bentley
Hutchinson
Clements

I know we finished 5-11 last year....but talent wise I don't think we have that far to go.

We have to add a little more depth at CB, maybe a FS, MLB, DT depth, blocking TE, QBOF, shortyardage RB.................stay healthy and coach well.

Are there any free agent doctors out there?

 

[seesred]

IMO this is the first season in a long time we are only a few players away from respectability. Every year we are always talking abouit turning the whole team. Now we are talking about 2 O-line guys, a running back, A linebacker, back up QB and a run stuffing NT. Oh, we will get more than that for Xmas at least Green will try and Graves will back him up.

We have more strengths than weakness IMO. WR, Linebackers, CB, DE, TE, FB, and a good couple of linemen. Our depth with Moore and Blackstone types is better for ST and our kicking game is near the top. I would love to have EDGE and have been saying that for aboutr a month. But, if Green thinks going the way he has gone for the last two years. You wont hear a peep from me.

GBR
40

 

[NEZCardsfan]

Def asking a lot from this staff.

I know.

We got new position coaches, we'll see.

I don't have nearly the confidence in Green this offseason that I did last offseason.

 

[Shane]

I know.

We got new position coaches, we'll see.

I don't have nearly the confidence in Green this offseason that I did last offseason.

Not just new coaches yet again. But Greens on field decisions at times have been more than baffeling. Hopefully it improves.

I see what Joe is saying in his post above but only to a point. Eventually at some point in time this team need to show its serious about winning. Going out and makinga statement and throwing money at a guy like Edge or even a Jamal Lewis goes a long way in making that statement. Edge would be bar none the nest RB talent AZ has ever seen. It would go a long way towards solidifying this franchise and its offense.

We have been promised that stuff like that would happen. yet it appears its not going to. One Big Star and 4 or so solid starters could be accomplished.

 

[NEZCardsfan]

Not just new coaches yet again. But Greens on field decisions at times have been more than baffeling. Hopefully it improves.

I see what Joe is saying in his post above but only to a point. Eventually at some point in time this team need to show its serious about winning. Going out and makinga statement and throwing money at a guy like Edge or even a Jamal Lewis goes a long way in making that statement. Edge would be bar none the nest RB talent AZ has ever seen. It would go a long way towards solidifying this franchise and its offense.

We have been promised that stuff like that would happen. yet it appears we its not going to. One Bis Star and 4 or so solid starters could be accomplished.

I'm not trying to become Mr. Negative, but I doubt we'll get to .500% this year. I am now at a point where I just believe Green's on field arrogance derails our chances to compete.

If were to get Schottenheimer in here with another year of Green talent.....we might be SB contenders.

 

[fball13]

I would love Edge (much more than Alexander), but it sounds unlikely. Seems to me though that Lewis fits the mold of Denny's targets. He had a few amazing years, but dissapeared recently, after his injury (and criminal issues). I'd imagine his risk is high for most GMs, therefore lowering his market value.

With that said, I'd be most happy with some high $ O-line free-agents and drafting LenDale White.

 

[john h]

This is why we are never going to win anything...This pisses me off!!!

I do not like this philosophy either. To make a flat out statement you will not sign a high profile FA sends a message to a lot of FA's. If a bigtime Ol comes available I guess we will just forget him.

Sidebar: A former Cardinal lineman Ray Brown retired this year after 20 years + in the NFL. He lives in the Arkansas Mississippi Delta and has come home. Last night he was on a local TV station and asked some questions. When asked about the best QB's he had played with he said Neil Lomax and Steve Young. When asked about runners Garrison Hearst was the first thing out of his mouth. He said Garrisons was as tough as nails (they played together at SF). He played well last year at age 43. Asked about the toughest lineman he ever saw and he said Reggie from Green Bay without a doubt. He is building a nice club for the kids in he Delta. A nice well spoken guy. At 323 lbs I could not see what looked like fat anywhere on him.

 

[john h]

I would think this is a logical year to open up the purse strings and sign some notable FA's to make sure the team has a great year.

Maybe we can lure Emmitt out of retirement to help fill the new stadium.

From what Green/Graves say RedDawn I guess you can forget that. Is quantity better than proven quality? I do not know. Had you rather sign the Edge or 2 unproven backs? The Yankees and Red Sox are regular contenders because they buy the best available on a regular basis. All year I have been reading post about the Cards "making a big splash". This does not appear to be in our game plan. If this is some ploy just to save money then I will be very disappointed. If they start the year with a lot of CAP money in they bank I will be very disappointed.

 

[D-Dogg]

Also Green and Graves said huge contracts that Alexander or James would get. They didnt say they wont spend money, such as that of Okeafer and Berry who recieved some pretty good contracts in the 30 Mill. You have 4 types of FA's. Your elites who are Alexander and James who will get huge money. Then you have your top tier guys such as our very own Berry and Okeafer and maybe Lewis or Bentley who will not get nearly as much as Alexander or James, then you have your mid tier guys such as the Macklins of the world who are solid starter and make your team better, then you have your low tier low money guys such as Femi who play their role, then your low tier and bust FA's. The article says we wont sign any Elite type FA's, doesnt mean we wont go after top tier FA's or mid tier FA's. There are still a lot of good players to be had besides an Alexander or James.

I agree with this one hundred percent...it is my thoughts exactly. I think also that Bentley will be our number one target, and at 5 mil a year with a bonus up front we can get him. All falls from there, IMO. Hopefully get a corner as well, and maybe more Oline help since it is out there. Then I hope they draft LenDale in the first round. Mission accomplished.

 

[Scott MS]

IMO this is the first season in a long time we are only a few players away from respectability. Every year we are always talking abouit turning the whole team. Now we are talking about 2 O-line guys, a running back, A linebacker, back up QB and a run stuffing NT. Oh, we will get more than that for Xmas at least Green will try and Graves will back him up.

We have more strengths than weakness IMO. WR, Linebackers, CB, DE, TE, FB, and a good couple of linemen. Our depth with Moore and Blackstone types is better for ST and our kicking game is near the top. I would love to have EDGE and have been saying that for aboutr a month. But, if Green thinks going the way he has gone for the last two years. You wont hear a peep from me.

GBR
40

Good post. I think lots of us are thinking the same way. This is the first year in a while that the team wasn't swiss cheese. There are not so many holes that you can actually afford to sign a marquee player -- especially with the new stadium revenue. I'd love to get a big name in here.

 

[john h]

I, for one - completely agree with the GREEN - GRAVES philosophy in dealing with Free Agency. I want the Cards to buy-in to the present and future potential of a player, not his past. And... as in the case of the "draft"... I leave it to Green - Graves and the scouting department to make solid assessements as to who best can meet our needs in the third year of a 5 year plan.

Five year plans become obsolete with free agency. After year three our record is hardly any better than when Green started. This is not progress. Yes, we can continue to say we are only a player or two away but I am sick of hearing that. Teams who pick up the right players in FA turn it around in one year not three and certainly not five. We will be lucky to have 5 players on todays team still here 5 years from now. The clock is ticking.

 

[Totally_Red]

This is in no way pure speculation by Kent Somers. He has a direct quote form Graves
You're assuming, of course, that Rod wouldn't dream of blowing a little smoke...

But if Rod is leveling, consider this:

When you decide to sign a high profile free agent (particularly at RB) you are in most cases throwing a lot of money at a guy with a certain amount of tread worn from the tire.

You can't rely on being able to prorate your investment over several years and, in fact, run the risk that an injury in Year One could wipe out everything (i.e. at least when rookies or young players get injured, they'll still be relatively young by the time they are ready to play again).

Signing a expensive high-profile guy like Alexander, Lewis or James is scary business. Last year, I frankly thought they'd all bomb, but all three wound up with good years. But it would be just our luck that we'd sign one of them and it would turn out that "last year" was his last good year.

It's obviously frustrating to fans when the Cardinals seem to shy away from the top guys, but, in my opinion, they make the most sense for teams who feel they're only one player away from a championship. For us, the updside/downside ratio is likely to be too risky.

I tend to agree with you on running backs. Veteran RBs tend to be one injury away from trouble. But i really wish G&G would sign a top line offensive lineman like Bentley or Hutchinson. Remember the difference Adam Timmerman at RG made for the Rams after they acquired him in free agency from the Packers. Marshall Faulk had his best year rushing, Kurt Warner threw for lotsa touchdowns, and the Rams won the Super Bowl. One solid offensive lineman would go a ways to getting this franchise to the playoffs in my opinion.

 

[Shane]

I agree with this one hundred percent...it is my thoughts exactly. I think also that Bentley will be our number one target, and at 5 mil a year with a bonus up front we can get him. All falls from there, IMO. Hopefully get a corner as well, and maybe more Oline help since it is out there. Then I hope they draft LenDale in the first round. Mission accomplished.

Bentley is easily considered a BIGTIME FA. HE will command over 5 mill as a center IMO. By that standard he isnt someone we will be looking at by Graves statement IMO.

 

[john h]

This is in no way pure speculation by Kent Somers. He has a direct quote form Graves
You're assuming, of course, that Rod wouldn't dream of blowing a little smoke...

But if Rod is leveling, consider this:

When you decide to sign a high profile free agent (particularly at RB) you are in most cases throwing a lot of money at a guy with a certain amount of tread worn from the tire.

You can't rely on being able to prorate your investment over several years and, in fact, run the risk that an injury in Year One could wipe out everything (i.e. at least when rookies or young players get injured, they'll still be relatively young by the time they are ready to play again).

Signing a expensive high-profile guy like Alexander, Lewis or James is scary business. Last year, I frankly thought they'd all bomb, but all three wound up with good years. But it would be just our luck that we'd sign one of them and it would turn out that "last year" was his last good year.

It's obviously frustrating to fans when the Cardinals seem to shy away from the top guys, but, in my opinion, they make the most sense for teams who feel they're only one player away from a championship. For us, the updside/downside ratio is likely to be too risky.

It is possible to draft a very good RB who can produce immediately. Not so with offensive lineman. If we want a good offensive lineman who can produce this year he will have to come from the FA market. I doubt some 2nd tier OL FA will get the job done. Same with a DT or DB. As one of the teams with the most CAP money to spend I hope we do not waste it on 2nd and 3rd tier players. We need some difference makers.

 

[MadCardDisease]

The Patriots built their team by signing middle tier FAs and having solid drafts by selecting the BPA.

I believe Green is using this blueprint.

 

[Shane]

The Patriots built their team by signing middle tier FAs and having solid drafts by selecting the BPA.

I believe Green is using this blueprint.

Green is no Belichek. Not even close. I dont see Belichek whiffing and signing big time mid tier busts such as Ross and Huff.

We were promised big time FA's and that we would pursue them by the Bidwills.

 

[john h]

Not just new coaches yet again. But Greens on field decisions at times have been more than baffeling. Hopefully it improves.

I see what Joe is saying in his post above but only to a point. Eventually at some point in time this team need to show its serious about winning. Going out and makinga statement and throwing money at a guy like Edge or even a Jamal Lewis goes a long way in making that statement. Edge would be bar none the nest RB talent AZ has ever seen. It would go a long way towards solidifying this franchise and its offense.

We have been promised that stuff like that would happen. yet it appears its not going to. One Big Star and 4 or so solid starters could be accomplished.

When did we last have a pro bowl type RB or QB?

 

[MadCardDisease]

Green is no Belichek. Not even close. I dont see Belichek whiffing and signing big time mid tier busts such as Ross and Huff.

We were promised big time FA's and that we would pursue them by the Bidwills.

I believe we were promised FA's. I don't remember the Cardinals ever saying TOP Dollar FA's.

The only time I've heard Edge's name out of the Cardinal facility was from Kurt Warner.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

So your saying you want more production out of a FA in year 3 than year 1? Much like Ross and Huff right?
That seems rather strange to me especially for a team that isnt supposed to be that far off.

We were promised we would compete with the big boys. Lets stop posturing and go get it done.

I simply don't know what you mean, but it has nothing to do with what I wrote.

I'm simply not enamoured by "names". We have some homegrown stars and budding stars... and properly surrounded with solid emerging talent picked up in FA... I believe is the way that Green - Graves want to and will proceed.

As for Huff and Ross... I'm not in position to make a final judgement... can you?