I didn't see a mention of when Dockett protested not getting a new contract along with Anquan Boldin, and the numerous times Dockett made social media issues will ill advised posts/texts/tweets in the initial post. Dockett spitting in a teammate's face. Or that he has called out other players for doing exactly what he just did. The Cardinals offered him a fair deal and Dockett went for more money some where else, and all the while talking about "respect".
Dockett is a 33 year old defensive tackle who had a ridiculously huge cap number, and a player who relies on his quickness and is coming off his 1st major surgery. Thus his best asset has been comprimised.
I liked Dockett as much as the next fan but this is a business, it is extremely rare to see players start and end there contracts with a team, let alone their entire career. But, business is cold. How many pro bowl, all pro, top 100 players, 10 sack seasons, does Dockett have under his name?
As for his claims of "never missed practice, and played hurt", uh, that is his job, and he was paid extremely well for it. I don't think Dockett makes the money he did with the Cardinals any where else in this league, so he is out of line thinking he was no rewarded for his play, and come on, he has had the respect of the fans and the organization for his tenure here. Fans love him, he is used as a media icon on Cardinals swag.
The Cardinals are known for putting a deal on the table for certain players and leaving it on the table as "take it or leave it". Dockett didn't want to take a pay cut so he was released. At that point he was not a Cardinal, he was a free agent and was treated how the Cardinals treat all free agent negotiations, so I guess Dockett wasn't paying attention to that, because it should have been expected the moment he refused a pay cut and hit the market. Again, its a business.
Thus while I very much appreciate Dockett's work and passion and will miss him next year this is the right move formthe Cardinals. It is what a lot of successful teams do in the league.
As for how this effects the field? Leadership? I dunno, when Dansby left there was a concern, and it turned out OK, and Campbell is vocal so there is your leader on the defensive line, and Campbell plays hurt as well.
As for actual play? I was hoping if Dockett did stay around he would back up Ed Stinson who is coming along and played well last year.
As for depth? With all respect to Dockett, I would rather have Tommy Kelly, who was a beast last season.
Finally, calling out Peterson for allowing 1 big run maybe was not the best thing to bring into the conversation. First of all, Peterson is a DB, and it was Marshaun Lynch, who makes a lot of defenders look bad, I watch Dan Williams bounce off Lynch at the beginning of that very same run, and Williams has about 120lbs on Peterson. But, I digress, the point is I can remember A LOT of big run that were right where Dockett was on the defensive line, so when it comes to letting up big runs? Dockett has Peterson beat.
I appreciate the passion for Dockett's tenure with the Cardinals, and respect the original post, and posters opinion, but I don't agree the Dockett deserved better than what he has got during his career with the Cardinals, money or respect wise.
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