James: The only way I'll return to AZ is "by force"

[azsouthendzone]

By the way, what is with Denver signing 100 running backs?

 

[WildBB]

Time to let him go.

He gone. But he should go to a team who's colors are Green. For obvious reasons. Shhhhhhhhheeeeeeeessssssssshhhhhhhhh. And they wonder why pro-sports stars have such bad INTEGRITY now.


You would think that with one more year reamaining he would actually want to PLAY in and WIN a SB!

No with NO NEW CBA in place, his new contract TRUMPS ALL. Good Riddence.

 

[lobo]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3950659

By force?? He has to be kidding. One can find guys who can give you what he has over the last season or so all over the place. A bit dilussional...yes?

I don't think teams will be lined up with a contract for him to sign at this stage of his career. Outstanding at one time but those days are gone.

 

[Vermont Maverick]

I see no reason to release him before the draft.

When have the Cards ever said that they do not want him next year? That is pure speculation due to his contract. And usually, despite peoples frusteration with contracts, the FO honors most players contracts. They do not renegotiate early, but they tend not to cut guys that are overpaid, as long as it's not significant.

Edge is actually still a good fit here. He is an excellent blocker, whether he wants to do that or not, and keeping him means we only need a third-down type back. If Knowshon or Beanie or another quality RB falls to us, then fine. If not, I don't see why we wouldn't go with Edge and Hightower. I certainly like Edge as much as an FA out there (Unless Deuce's knees magically get better.)

Further, is it just me, or is it strikingly funny that Boldin wants to leave because he is underpaid, but Edge is overpaid and wants to leave.

Lastly, if he wants to leave so bad, let's see him offer back 1/4 of his signing bonus. That bonus was for a 4 year contract, so if he wants out so bad, give it back. Otherwise, go out there like Q will, and bust your butt for your teammates.

 

[WildBB]

By force?? He has to be kidding. One can find guys who can give you what he has over the last season or so all over the place. A bit dilussional...yes?

I don't think teams will be lined up with a contract for him to sign at this stage of his career. Outstanding at one time but those days are gone.

He may be in for a rude awakening. Well all he needs are his stats apparently.

 

[WildBB]

I see no reason to release him before the draft.

When have the Cards ever said that they do not want him next year? That is pure speculation due to his contract. And usually, despite peoples frusteration with contracts, the FO honors most players contracts. They do not renegotiate early, but they tend not to cut guys that are overpaid, as long as it's not significant.

Edge is actually still a good fit here. He is an excellent blocker, whether he wants to do that or not, and keeping him means we only need a third-down type back. If Knowshon or Beanie or another quality RB falls to us, then fine. If not, I don't see why we wouldn't go with Edge and Hightower. I certainly like Edge as much as an FA out there (Unless Deuce's knees magically get better.)

Further, is it just me, or is it strikingly funny that Boldin wants to leave because he is underpaid, but Edge is overpaid and wants to leave.
Lastly, if he wants to leave so bad, let's see him offer back 1/4 of his signing bonus. That bonus was for a 4 year contract, so if he wants out so bad, give it back. Otherwise, go out there like Q will, and bust your butt for your teammates.

I agree that Edge is a good fit here. But he's being a horses pituty. Pity.

As far a him being overpaid, he was at the beginning because he was front loaded. Now that that part of the contract is gone , he wants out of here to negotiate a new bonus before the old CBA expires and the lack of a new one drives down salaries for the 2010 campaign. This is totally selfish on his part. Not a team player, obviously, because they have a good chance to go the distance this year. You'd think he WANT TO be a part of THAT, regardless of circumstances ------BUT N0!!!

 

[JeffGollin]

All this is - is the implementation of Drew Rosenhaus' confrontational strategy.

Bottom Line - Edge is under contract. The Cards have a team to put together. The worst thing they can do is let Rosenhaus set their personnel policy. They've got a team to run.

Cardinal management is right by focusing on doing whatever's best for the football club at the time most appropriate for doing it.

Obviously, if they can work out something that will make Edge happier (like releasing him or trading him) why not do it?

But not if it leaves the team without quality RB depth (including at least one quality power back).

One other point that frequently gets lost as our memories fade over time - The Cardinals started the season as a power running team (with Edge as the main plow horse) but discovered that - for whatever the reason (O-line blocking, play calling or poor execution by Edge) - they couldn't consistently run the football effectively.

So they went to a more pass-happy offensive scheme, with the RB's role limited mostly to screens, outlet passes and misdirection running plays - a role tailored more to the quicker, more explosive Tim Hightower.

Then, when opposing teams adjusted to the new Cardinal offense and took away the pass, Wiz and Haley "adjusted to their adjustment" by bringing Edge in and giving him more touches between the tackles.

My point - It wasn't that Edge wasn't any good or, for that matter, that he wasn't appreciated (or for that matter, he "suddenly got good again" when he reappeared in post-season). It was just Cardinal coaches trying to do what they needed to do to win each week - with Edge, JJ and Timmy T playing their respective parts.

I happen to believe that, despite his public utterances of pain - Edge can help us; but a lot of this will depend on whether or not we (a) stay pass-happy at the expense of the run, (b) revert back to a more power-running system, (c) additions (if any) to bolster our offensive line, (d) whether the 2009 O-line will be more suited to implement a power running attack and, of course, (e) which RB's, if any, we add in free agency or the draft.

But all of this will be up to Rod G, Ken W & Co. - not Drew Rosenhaus.

 

[Jetstream Green]

To think ANY team right now is holding onto a player out of spite when winning and money are the priorities is probably the most screwed up statement I have ever heard on this board, NO team can afford to do that. If the Cardinals want to hold on to Edge, it is strictly a football reason

 

[D-Dogg]

He missed ONE practice. I love how it always becomes plural. He wasn't doing a bad job, and Hightower was awful as a replacement. I could see without a problem, benching him for one game. The lengthy benching was juvenile, imo, and the only thing Whis has done that I really disagreed with.

Everyone kept saying "We're going to need Edge fresh for the really hard (cold weather) games towards the end of the season" (Philadelphia, Patriots, etc). But then, he wasn't even used for those games. At a time when it would have played to Edge's strengths & experience. It was lame, and possibly cost us wins. Did we wind up needing the wins? No. But you don't gamble like that.

Bee, the game that Edge was benched for was the game where Hightower blew up a poor rush defense of St. Louis. That bought Tower more time in the starter role.

Edge also had a bad fumble the week prior against Carolina in a game we should have won. Combined with a poor running effort and that fumble, and the missed practice, I had no issue with Edge being benched.

 

[earthsci]

That they would pay Warner top 5 QB money if they made the SB. When it happened, it was reported that Graves told him things change. Somebody posted it in one the 10,000 Warner threads earlier in the week.

So it's the truth!

 

[earthsci]

It sounds like they, James and Graves, had an agreement as to when he would be released and Rod changed his mind again.

Now it's reality!

 

[earthsci]

Bee, the game that Edge was benched for was the game where Hightower blew up a poor rush defense of St. Louis. That bought Tower more time in the starter role.

Edge also had a bad fumble the week prior against Carolina in a game we should have won. Combined with a poor running effort and that fumble, and the missed practice, I had no issue with Edge being benched.

...and that fumble came after a week of complaining about not getting the ball enough.

 

[WildBB]

...and that fumble came after a week of complaining about not getting the ball enough.

This was TO like.

The years before he would tote it like 320+ times and not break anything.

 

[DeAnna]

The Cards do have his rights but my thinking is that they have no plans on him being on the team next year. That's not the case with Boldin and Dockett. It seems like they are keeping him hanging there, maybe just out of spite. If there was chance he'd be on the team i could see keeping him but he's not playing in Arizona,by either camps wishes, so why not let him go.

Exactly. That's called "being held hostage." Everyone knows he won't be back (contract or not) and Cards mgmt seems to be doing it out of spite. We all know they will eventually get another running back. Even if they don't, Edge will not be here.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

So it's the truth!

Of course it is! If something bad is said about the Cardinals its always true. What else do the media have to do?

 

[cardsfanmd]

He may be an ass, but he's busted his butt while here and I appreciate all he's done for the team.

At the same time, I completely get why he is still here. Yes we will be looking to draft a RB early this year, but even if we do, that only gives us 2 of them if you dont count Edge. We would then have to go find yet another vet to fill the last spot because you cant be successfull with 1 year ofg experience in your entire RB group.

We'll definitely feel his loss next year IMO, whether it be his knack at always getting postive yards, his great conditioning or even just his pass blocking.

 

[DKCards]

I wonder if 5M and the chance to play is enough force.

The more I look at this the more it seems like Edge might be coming back. He is going to do what ever he can in this off season to get released but if he doesn’t he will come in ready to play.

Right now he is the best option for the Cards. And by his statements you can see how motivated he is to increase his rushing yard totals. If they can not replace them I will not be surprised to see him running the ball for them next year. He will not hold out because he wants those records and the Hall of Fame……….

 

[Shane]

Exactly. That's called "being held hostage." Everyone knows he won't be back (contract or not) and Cards mgmt seems to be doing it out of spite. We all know they will eventually get another running back. Even if they don't, Edge will not be here.

Bull. Graves if you listen to him speak pretty much tells you whats going to happen. If he says they are keeping Edge due to lack of depth at the position you can bet that is why. Anyoen can look at the roster and see it isnt a lie. Thats not being held hostage. Thats just plain smart.

He isnt being held anymore hostage than any other player not happy with their contract. You assuming Edge wont be here is again conjecture. The only person holding anyone hostage or tring to is Edge himself. Thats what he doing when he says the only way he will return to the Cards is "by force"

 

[lobo]

All this is - is the implementation of Drew Rosenhaus' confrontational strategy.


But all of this will be up to Rod G, Ken W & Co. - not Drew Rosenhaus.

The same Drew R telling the world that teams are lined up to sign TO and the baseball guy Boros saying he has other teams ready to sign Ramirez. If their lips are moving the are lying.

 

[40yearfan]

I wonder if 5M and the chance to play is enough force.

The more I look at this the more it seems like Edge might be coming back. He is going to do what ever he can in this off season to get released but if he doesn’t he will come in ready to play.

Right now he is the best option for the Cards. And by his statements you can see how motivated he is to increase his rushing yard totals. If they can not replace them I will not be surprised to see him running the ball for them next year. He will not hold out because he wants those records and the Hall of Fame……….

I agree. I'd like to see us keep him for another year.

 

[LACardsJoe]

Edge needs to realize that his worth has diminished since his days with the Colts. Edge needs to realize that this ruckus he's causing is further diminishing his worth. And Edge needs to realize that he was a few seconds away from becoming a SB champion. The HOF is predicated on team success more than stats Edge, something for you and your "fans" to ponder...

 

[PoolBoy]

I agree. I'd like to see us keep him for another year.

id rather not take the 5 million dollar risk that he will go back to head ducking edge during the regular season, just going through the motions until he is benched again and then *******. its not worth it.

 

[Shzm13]

I hope Knowshon gets #32

He cant have 24, since thats ADubs. And 32 > 28..

 

[ARZCardinals]

Why not use me to the best of my abilities? I've had seasons where I've caught 60-plus passes, but I only caught 12 last year. It's not like I forgot how to catch."

- yea - I was at every home game and he could not catch a screen pass to save his life. He dropped 4 of every 5 balls that were thrown to him.

In the Super Bowl he was wide open, Kurt hit him in stride and he still dropped it.

Fool please with the - I'm better than what I've done on the field.

And to the knocking of the Cards uni - saying it should be in the trash . F Him! That's no class!

Suck it up Edge - you'll be wearing that uni again this coming year.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

He may be an ass, but he's busted his butt while here and I appreciate all he's done for the team.

At the same time, I completely get why he is still here. Yes we will be looking to draft a RB early this year, but even if we do, that only gives us 2 of them if you dont count Edge. We would then have to go find yet another vet to fill the last spot because you cant be successfull with 1 year ofg experience in your entire RB group.

We'll definitely feel his loss next year IMO, whether it be his knack at always getting postive yards, his great conditioning or even just his pass blocking.

+1

You echo my thoughts. Everyone realizes we have 1 RB under contract, right? What if somebody falls to us in the draft that we don't end up taking a back until the 2nd or 3rd round? Would you want to pass on a supreme talent because you have to FILL that roster spot with someone of a starting caliber. What if we can't get a FA?

I hate the way this makes us look to prospective FA agents but I am not sure I am that worried about doing right by James. He actually got to participate in a Super Bowl by signing with us so the fact that he is going to run his mouth like that pisses me off. He was the one that cost us that Carolina game and who kows what might have been different had we won that game?

He can rot until we are ready to dump him. And if we decide to keep him for lack of a better alternative then so be it.

We have given him MUCH more then he has given us - although I am an Edge backer - he can sit it out for all I care.

My only concern is all the junk he must be talking about us to guys around the league.