Free agent priority #1: Alex Mack - Cleveland - C

[Totally_Red]

I think from listening closely to Steve Keim, that the days of the Cardinals paying big money in free agency are probably over with the possible exception of left tackle. And very few good and healthy left tackles hit free agency.

I believe SK when he says he's going to focus on re-building through the draft.

 

[Chopper0080]

I think from listening closely to Steve Keim, that the days of the Cardinals paying big money in free agency are probably over with the possible exception of left tackle. And very few good and healthy left tackles hit free agency.

I believe SK when he says he's going to focus on re-building through the draft.

6 or 7 mil per year for a Pro Bowl C isn't a huge investment, especially when he is 28. I agree with the concept of building through the draft, but to ignore the top end of free agency is foolish. There are smart buys available that can really help your team and are pretty low risk.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

He won't make it to free agency. Neither will shaughnessy IMO.

+1

One would hope.

Since Matt Shaughnessy >>>>> Lorenzo Alexander.

and

Karlos Dansby >>>>>>>>>>>> Jasper Brinkley

Plus cutting Brinkley and Alexander would free up 2.5 million against the cap next season.

Throw in Daryn Colledge and it frees up a total of about 4.25 million freed up against the cap for next season (but also about 5.25 dead money too)

 

[Chopper0080]

+1

One would hope.

Since Matt Shaughnessy >>>>> Lorenzo Alexander.

and

Karlos Dansby >>>>>>>>>>>> Jasper Brinkley

Plus cutting Brinkley and Alexander would free up 2.5 million against the cap next season.

Throw in Daryn Colledge and it frees up a total of about 4.25 million freed up against the cap for next season (but also about 5.25 dead money too)

The only hold up on the Dansby and Shaughnessy extensions will be those respective player's expectations. IF Dansby wants 4.5 mil per year, he should find it elsewhere. SILBs are a dime a dozen in the NFL, especially those Dansby's age. However, if he is good with 2 years at 3.5 per year, we need to make that happen.

 

[GuernseyCard]

Let's simply have a competition between Sendlein and Philip Blake from our PS. He was RG111's centre at Baylor.

 

[GuernseyCard]

The only hold up on the Dansby and Shaughnessy extensions will be those respective player's expectations. IF Dansby wants 4.5 mil per year, he should find it elsewhere. SILBs are a dime a dozen in the NFL, especially those Dansby's age. However, if he is good with 2 years at 3.5 per year, we need to make that happen.

LOS a dime a dozen?

C'mon man!

 

[RugbyMuffin]

6 or 7 mil per year for a Pro Bowl C isn't a huge investment, especially when he is 28. I agree with the concept of building through the draft, but to ignore the top end of free agency is foolish. There are smart buys available that can really help your team and are pretty low risk.

I disagree.

I would not pay a center 6 or 7 million a year. No way.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

The only hold up on the Dansby and Shaughnessy extensions will be those respective player's expectations. IF Dansby wants 4.5 mil per year, he should find it elsewhere. SILBs are a dime a dozen in the NFL, especially those Dansby's age. However, if he is good with 2 years at 3.5 per year, we need to make that happen.

No more a dime a dozen than NFL centers.

But, I agree, if Dansby looks to cash in at a much higher salary then he will price himself out of AZ, and Minter or Brinkley will take his spot.

And mind you, I don't like Sendlein, but I am not about to spend almost double on his replacement.

Not to mention, I am not a fan of Alex Mack. Maybe Unger I would pay 4 to 5 million and he is the best in the league, IMHO.

 

[Chopper0080]

LOS a dime a dozen?

C'mon man!

Daryl Smith went from Jacksonville to Baltimore and might be a Pro Bowler. Dansby from Miami to Arizona, arguably pro bowl season. 30+ SILBs are very replaceable especially when we see how he struggles vs TEs. I am not saying Dansby has not been a really good signing and is not having a solid year, but he is replaceable at 4mil per year or more..

 

[Chopper0080]

No more a dime a dozen than NFL centers.

But, I agree, if Dansby looks to cash in at a much higher salary then he will price himself out of AZ, and Minter or Brinkley will take his spot.

And mind you, I don't like Sendlein, but I am not about to spend almost double on his replacement.

Not to mention, I am not a fan of Alex Mack. Maybe Unger I would pay 4 to 5 million and he is the best in the league, IMHO.

I get it if you aren't a Mack fan, but I do disagree on the cost. Mangold, Mack, Unger, Pouncey, and Hardwick are all worth 6-7 mil per year. Less and less C's are coming out who can handle the power on the defensive line in the NFL. Look at how high Dallas took Frederick because he was projected to be top physically at the POA. If we want to throw it around, Sendlein is fine. If we want to have a legit running game in the NFC West, we need a power OC. Also, considering we have holes at QB (long term), LT, OLB, SS, TE and soon DE, a veteran C in FA might helps us secure our offensive front long term.

 

[john h]

Sendlein does fine, IMHO.

I think there are other positions to address instead.

I also agree Sandelin does better than average. The commentators made some nice comments on him Sunday. I am one of those that think a LDT is much more in need. I did not always think that but after watching that position closely this year and last year I am convinced this position puts our QB more in jeopardy than any other.

 

[Duckjake]

Daryl Smith went from Jacksonville to Baltimore and might be a Pro Bowler. Dansby from Miami to Arizona, arguably pro bowl season. 30+ SILBs are very replaceable especially when we see how he struggles vs TEs. I am not saying Dansby has not been a really good signing and is not having a solid year, but he is replaceable at 4mil per year or more..

By who?

 

[Reddog]

It isn't terrible. We can add one large contract and several low end ones which is what we should do. Winston is 2 mil, won't re-sign. Mendenhall is 2.5 mil, won't re-sign. Jeff King is 1.8 mil off the books. Cason is 1.5 off the books. That is 7.8 mil to offset contract increases. Now the cuts. Cutting Jasper Brinkley saves us 2 mil and costs only 200k. Ryan Williams is also gone, saving us 1 mil and costing 500k. That's 3 mil saved and only eating 700k. Cutting Colledge saves us 5 mil and cutting Sendlein would save us 3 mil. There, I have saved you 11 mil by cutting Ryan Williams, Jasper Brinkley, Daryn Colledge and Lyle Sendlein, which is more than enough to sign Alex Mack and some veteran roster filler.

I would not underestimate BA's loyalty to Mendenhall especially if he finishes the year with similar burst to what he showed Sunday. I also don't think you cut a proven entity like Sendlein. I do see bringing in someone to compete with him but I guess if you can get a Mack at a reasonable price he would be the exception. In that case, I think you trade Sendlein given he is relatively inexpensive and has a couple years left on his contract.

I do think there will be some players to be had at reasonable rates like there was this year however Dansby will cost more and will get a multi year deal so we have a choice to make if we only have room for one large contract. Interesting dilemma because we have no idea what Minter can do and how he changes the complexion of the D if he replaces Dansby or if DWash will be playing all/any in 2014.

 

[PACardsFan]

The teams that aren't looking for ways to get better are falling further behind. Our interior line is an issue expecially vs power which is what our division is now known for. Sendlein gets beat up inside and needs to be upgraded preferably with a Pro Bowler like Mack.

I love the win, but I am always focused on winning for years on not for a single season. I am not going to apologize for it either. Our offensive line is ok at best and will need to be infused with better talent if we are going to be successful for years past this one. Those who don't see that are getting blinded by wins and are not seeing that we are overcoming our offensive line rather than winning because of it.

Agree 100%. Even though we're 7-4, let's not forget that we're 0-3 in our division. Even though I think we'll beat St. Louis, there's a very real possibility we'll end up 1-5 in our division. No matter our overall record, 1-5 will not suffice. Sendlein is an average center at best & is not a good matchup for us in the current NFCW.

 

[GuernseyCard]

Daryl Smith went from Jacksonville to Baltimore and might be a Pro Bowler. Dansby from Miami to Arizona, arguably pro bowl season. 30+ SILBs are very replaceable especially when we see how he struggles vs TEs. I am not saying Dansby has not been a really good signing and is not having a solid year, but he is replaceable at 4mil per year or more..

Struggles against TE's...

Everybody gets beat by a perfect throw, but, what I've seen is solid coverage inside-out evidenced by his league leading pass defections amongst linebackers.

 

[Jetstream Green]

Karlos Dansby is a HUGE priority for this defense and if one does not think so, then they have not watched the games. He seems to be the leader of the defense. And he just does not play solid, he is a freaking playmaker and seems to be around the ball wherever it goes. Anyone think that Dansby is bad at coverage...well wait if we put a new LB in his place and then ask him to do what we ask of Dansby. Dansby is our most valuable player on the defense, and that says a lot for a defense loaded with talent.

 

[Chopper0080]

Struggles against TE's...

Everybody gets beat by a perfect throw, but, what I've seen is solid coverage inside-out evidenced by his league leading pass defections amongst linebackers.

He loses leverage and gets beat with speed. He just isn't the athlete he was when he was younger. Again, not saying he is a player who needs to be replaced but he is a player who should not be paid excessively. 3.5 mil for two years is appropriate for his age, production, and skills but anything more is excessive. There is a reason he was released and sat on the market for as long as he did. No reason to buy high on a 30+ linebacker, but if he is willing to be reasonable, the Cardinals should extend him and give him a raise.

 

[Chopper0080]

Karlos Dansby is a HUGE priority for this defense and if one does not think so, then they have not watched the games. He seems to be the leader of the defense. And he just does not play solid, he is a freaking playmaker and seems to be around the ball wherever it goes. Anyone think that Dansby is bad at coverage...well wait if we put a new LB in his place and then ask him to do what we ask of Dansby. Dansby is our most valuable player on the defense, and that says a lot for a defense loaded with talent.

Yes, he is a priority, but he is also 32 years old. He got 2.25 this year and he has earned a raise to 3.5, but if he wants more let him go get it on the open market.

As far as Dansby's skills, let's not get crazy. We are terrible vs. TEs which is indicative of the coverage abilities of your LBs and your Ss. Bell is limited and so is Dansby. We aren't as good vs the pass this year as we were last year, Dansby has a part in that. Not saying it is a big part, but he has a part just like he has a part in our being better vs the run. I will say it again, Dansby has been a great signing and is part of a very good defense. That being said, he is 32 and is athleticism is fading which causes him to be more limited than he used to be. I want to keep him, but I also don't want to be Washington paying London Fletcher 6.4 mil when the roster has far greater needs.

 

[Chopper0080]

By who?

Well we drafted Minter to fill that position and he is a fraction of the cost, Daryl Smith will be a free agent again and Brandon Spikes is scheduled to be a free agent. We can even sign an OLB to play in the nickel packages if we need to and have a rotation. I would prefer to offer Dansby 3.5 (a bit over what Vilma made this year), have him take it and retire as a Cardinal, but if he wants more, he can walk. We have needs at both OT spots, OLB, QB, SS, will need to extend Peterson and prepare to do the same to Floyd if he keeps this up.

Again, no reason to buy high on a 32 year old LB.

 

[40yearfan]

In our hurry to replace members of this team, has anyone considered how the chemistry of this team will be affected? Look at what happens to a lot of Super Bowl winners. The next season, they lose some of their players to FA and suddenly, they struggle. You can load a team up with top notch athletes but that doesn't mean you will win football games. So much depends on the coach, coaching staff and management. It takes all phases of the game to result in wins and that doesn't mean JUST good players.

Right now, the chemistry is really good and everyone accepts their roll without question. Why wouldn't you want to keep the same guys and keep that chemistry intact?

I see Dansby as being one of the chief ingredients in the chemistry of this team. We NEED to keep him around.

 

[Duckjake]

Well we drafted Minter to fill that position and he is a fraction of the cost, Daryl Smith will be a free agent again and Brandon Spikes is scheduled to be a free agent. We can even sign an OLB to play in the nickel packages if we need to and have a rotation. I would prefer to offer Dansby 3.5 (a bit over what Vilma made this year), have him take it and retire as a Cardinal, but if he wants more, he can walk. We have needs at both OT spots, OLB, QB, SS, will need to extend Peterson and prepare to do the same to Floyd if he keeps this up.

Again, no reason to buy high on a 32 year old LB.

If you think our LB pass coverage is poor now just sign Brandon Spikes to replace Dansby. Spikes is a run defender. Daryl Smith might work as he is a Dansby clone. Same age. Same stats. Less money? But that's one guy.

I don't know about Minter. If he were any good and anybody can play ILB what's he doing with only 2 tackles for the season? Also it will be 4-5 years before Minter can read offenses like Dansby does.

Of more concern to me than paying Dansby an extra million or two is what effect the $10 million bonus due Daryl Washington in March of next year will have on the Cards salary cap.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I think Dansby will remain in Arizona at a reasonable price. He seems to want to be here and the Cards want him.

He's been around a knows how the game is played. At this stage of his career, there aren't going to be teams offering him big money contracts. He'll play where he's comfortable, in Arizona, as long as they don't lowball him.

The Cards are a lot better with Dansby on the team. If things continue as they are currently trending, the last 3 years Karlos has been on the team will have been a playoff team.

Biggest mistake Graves ever made was letting him leave. And that's saying a lot because Graves made a ton of big mistakes.

 

[Chopper0080]

I think Dansby will remain in Arizona at a reasonable price. He seems to want to be here and the Cards want him.

He's been around a knows how the game is played. At this stage of his career, there aren't going to be teams offering him big money contracts. He'll play where he's comfortable, in Arizona, as long as they don't lowball him.

The Cards are a lot better with Dansby on the team. If things continue as they are currently trending, the last 3 years Karlos has been on the team will have been a playoff team.

Biggest mistake Graves ever made was letting him leave. And that's saying a lot because Graves made a ton of big mistakes.

You probably said it better that I did. This time around, both sides need to give a little because Dansby isn't going to get a big payday from any team. I agree Graves screwed up when he let Dansby walk, and that was the time to offer Dansby a legit contract. But now, make a fair offer and put the ball in his court whether to take it or test the open market again.

 

[Chopper0080]

In our hurry to replace members of this team, has anyone considered how the chemistry of this team will be affected? Look at what happens to a lot of Super Bowl winners. The next season, they lose some of their players to FA and suddenly, they struggle. You can load a team up with top notch athletes but that doesn't mean you will win football games. So much depends on the coach, coaching staff and management. It takes all phases of the game to result in wins and that doesn't mean JUST good players.

Right now, the chemistry is really good and everyone accepts their roll without question. Why wouldn't you want to keep the same guys and keep that chemistry intact?

I see Dansby as being one of the chief ingredients in the chemistry of this team. We NEED to keep him around.

Wrong. We NEED a long term solution at QB. We NEED a significant upgrade to our offensive line and specifically LT. We NEED to be able to extend Patrick Peterson's deal while also being able to field a competitive team. We NEED a legitimate outside pass rush threat. These are all things we NEED to do and make top priority. We SHOULD offer Dansby a fair, multiyear deal which keeps him in AZ but is also reflective of his age and position. I feel that is a MAX of 2 years 8 mil w/ possibly a team option for a 3rd year.

 

[Chopper0080]

If you think our LB pass coverage is poor now just sign Brandon Spikes to replace Dansby. Spikes is a run defender. Daryl Smith might work as he is a Dansby clone. Same age. Same stats. Less money? But that's one guy.

I don't know about Minter. If he were any good and anybody can play ILB what's he doing with only 2 tackles for the season? Also it will be 4-5 years before Minter can read offenses like Dansby does.

Of more concern to me than paying Dansby an extra million or two is what effect the $10 million bonus due Daryl Washington in March of next year will have on the Cards salary cap.

You wanted options, those are some. I can't say they would all be better, but they each have their merits.

Again, I don't want to get rid of Dansby, but I am not willing to triple his salary to keep him around at age 32. This time around, if he wants to stay in AZ, he is going to have to be self aware and give a little.