Good post AF. And your fears and hopes are understandable just as all of the other Cards fans who feel the same.
But from what I understand, Leinart signed a 6 year deal in '06. That means the Cardinals have him until 2012 doesn't it? Also, isn't his contract structured in such a way that aside from bonuses, much of his contract is based on playing time and the escalators that are scheduled to cause his cap number to jump to $14 million in '10 won't be reached if he isn't playing?
Even worst case scenario they are reached and the Cardinals have to pay him the $14 million in '10 while still being unsure about his durability and ability when he'll likely be playing. But there is absolutely no rush to play him or fear of losing him right now in terms of his contract.
I think we all can agree that Warner, if he decides to return, is looking at two years tops in terms of productive, healthy playing time left in his career. Can someone who knows the cap and contracts better than me explain why signing him to an incentive based deal(like he's been playing under the last few years) for 3 years and spreading out whatever signing bonus they decide to give him won't work?
The Cardinals reap the benefits of however long he can continue to produce at a high level. Having both of them on the roster won't kill them capwise and when Warner retires/falters/get's injured, Leinart comes in and is the heir apparent with absolutely no controversy or inflated expectations.
Replacing Warner or even forcing him to fight for his job yet again does have some ramifications amongst the team. The fans may be split on the QB situation but I can't imagine the players are. It wasn't that long ago that the Cardinals had a negative reputation when it came to player treatment and this offseason is going to be a huge challenge for the front office already.
With what Edge has shown since coming back from what many now consider an unwarranted benching(not saying they're right but it is there) what's it going to mean to the team to lose a leader in Edge, a leader in Warner and whatever other changes happen? What will it mean for Leinart to come in to a situation where the Cardinals are facing a really tough schedule next year and the responsibility of a potential dropoff in record is attached to him replacing Warner?
While I am biased toward Warner I'm not arguing or lobbying for him to remain the starter out of simple loyalty. I called for his benching in '06 and thought he was done just like everyone else. I thought his decline wouldn't have been so glaring if he had had better support around him but his grip problems, lack of focus in protecting the ball and cavalier attitude toward turnovers had him at a point where he wasn't a viable option as an NFL starter.
But from what I can see, much like before the season but more so now that Warner has had even more success than in '07, it rewards Warner to retain his job and will ultimately benefit the overall team and Matt Leinart in particular for him to assume the job at some point rather than be handed the job yet again. Warner has earned the right to keep his job until he is unable to produce. The Cardinals will have to be smart and manage the cap but there is no rush to force Warner out or rush Leinart in. Leinart will have to be patient but he isn't buried behind Favre or Peyton. His chance is coming really soon but I don't think it's best to just hand it to him.
