Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
I wish I could tell you the offense will be in much better shape than the defense, but I don’t lie. It’s scary too!
There is some good news, the Cards now have 2 impact runners. DJ may well be the best back in the NFL. With a little better blocking & play design, AP can still be an impact player. There’s also a bonus, Logan hopefully will solve both the kick return issues plus be a useful 3rd down option. Considering AP’s age and limited receiving abilities he can likely be given 15 or so carries a game. DJ is a great receiver and can be split out with either AP or Logan as the RB. If DJ gets 10 runs & 8-10 targets a game he should last longer. No significant money is tied to any of the other backs and replacement will be cheap if that’s the way the Cards want to go.
That covers most of the good news. Palmer figures to retire while he’s mostly intact. We’ve all seen Stanton. Even if BA awakens and gives Gabbert a chance, he’s far from someone who can be counted on, but he’s a long shot worth trying. Luckily between trade options, free agents & the draft the Cards can move forward at this position. If they start a draft pick or use a stop gap starter while grooming a pick, figure a lean year or 2. If they get an experienced QB the time line to competitiveness shortens.
Reviewing the TEs reveals another example of empty space. Beyond the absurd money owed Gresham and keeping in mind he can’t be cut, all the other TEs can be eliminated at no cost. Only Seals-Jones even has a contract. I’d vote to replace them all.
At WR things get a little better. Surely Fitz is gone. At least there’s DJ splitting out & JJ. I mentioned earlier it gains no cap advantage by cutting Chad Williams. I bet you’ve already guessed no one else is under contract. I’m sure any of the other receivers can be retained but are any of them impressing you.
All that’s left is the line. It would actually be funny, if it wasn’t so sad. This unit has the most personnel signed for next year. 6 members of the offensive line are under contract. Based on the performance of this unit the most likely approach will be clearing cap space. Releasing both Iupati & Veldheer would free open up nearly $7 mil of room. Depending what Humphries shows in the remaining season, his release frees nearly another $3 mil. The Cards have 2 centers under control. Both could be cut but I’m confident the Cards like Shipley and in a pinch Boehm can play guard. He played it better last year, but he’s affordable and knows the blocking scheme. I’m not a fan but you can only acquire so many players. Lastly Holden is signed for peanuts. I think they’ll try to re-sign Boone, but with no guarantee of a starting spot. Wetzel would likely be signed with the same understanding. I’m guessing they will acquire a guard and a tackle for sure. Humphries’ performance will determine how much further the purge goes.
So that means 1-2 RBs, 1-2 QBs, 3 TEs, 3-4 WRs and 3-4 linemen. You better get your scorecard ordered early otherwise you won’t know who’s who.
This will be an incredibly challenging offseason. The Cards have some key players under contract. Still the sheer number of positions that must be resolved for this team to contend for anything is astonishing.
There is some good news, the Cards now have 2 impact runners. DJ may well be the best back in the NFL. With a little better blocking & play design, AP can still be an impact player. There’s also a bonus, Logan hopefully will solve both the kick return issues plus be a useful 3rd down option. Considering AP’s age and limited receiving abilities he can likely be given 15 or so carries a game. DJ is a great receiver and can be split out with either AP or Logan as the RB. If DJ gets 10 runs & 8-10 targets a game he should last longer. No significant money is tied to any of the other backs and replacement will be cheap if that’s the way the Cards want to go.
That covers most of the good news. Palmer figures to retire while he’s mostly intact. We’ve all seen Stanton. Even if BA awakens and gives Gabbert a chance, he’s far from someone who can be counted on, but he’s a long shot worth trying. Luckily between trade options, free agents & the draft the Cards can move forward at this position. If they start a draft pick or use a stop gap starter while grooming a pick, figure a lean year or 2. If they get an experienced QB the time line to competitiveness shortens.
Reviewing the TEs reveals another example of empty space. Beyond the absurd money owed Gresham and keeping in mind he can’t be cut, all the other TEs can be eliminated at no cost. Only Seals-Jones even has a contract. I’d vote to replace them all.
At WR things get a little better. Surely Fitz is gone. At least there’s DJ splitting out & JJ. I mentioned earlier it gains no cap advantage by cutting Chad Williams. I bet you’ve already guessed no one else is under contract. I’m sure any of the other receivers can be retained but are any of them impressing you.
All that’s left is the line. It would actually be funny, if it wasn’t so sad. This unit has the most personnel signed for next year. 6 members of the offensive line are under contract. Based on the performance of this unit the most likely approach will be clearing cap space. Releasing both Iupati & Veldheer would free open up nearly $7 mil of room. Depending what Humphries shows in the remaining season, his release frees nearly another $3 mil. The Cards have 2 centers under control. Both could be cut but I’m confident the Cards like Shipley and in a pinch Boehm can play guard. He played it better last year, but he’s affordable and knows the blocking scheme. I’m not a fan but you can only acquire so many players. Lastly Holden is signed for peanuts. I think they’ll try to re-sign Boone, but with no guarantee of a starting spot. Wetzel would likely be signed with the same understanding. I’m guessing they will acquire a guard and a tackle for sure. Humphries’ performance will determine how much further the purge goes.
So that means 1-2 RBs, 1-2 QBs, 3 TEs, 3-4 WRs and 3-4 linemen. You better get your scorecard ordered early otherwise you won’t know who’s who.
This will be an incredibly challenging offseason. The Cards have some key players under contract. Still the sheer number of positions that must be resolved for this team to contend for anything is astonishing.
