Latest Somers Blog sheds more light...

[Stout]

Rolle is inconsistent at best. Brilliant one game and non-existent the next. I think many are overestimating his value. So many here rip Brown for not living up to his draft position yet give Rolle a free pass even though he never lived up to his draft position as a CB.

The problem is that our FO has once again painted us into a corner in regards to a contract and our roster. Rolle isn't the best, but who do we have to replace him with? What do we do if he doesn't return? I think they tried to set up a replacement but the draft pick hasn't panned out yet, so they're stuck.

And, if they are a good FO, they'll figure out how to fix the problem. If Rolle is cut and they bring in a solid replacement, that'll be fine. If Rolle is cut and they suddenly draft a FS in the 1st round...somehow, I don't think that will be fine.

 

[Snakester]

Losing Rolle would suck but I don't think he's gone just yet. Rolle is way to important to our secondary that Graves would just let him walk. Something will be done to keep Rolle. At least that is my feeling. I can't picture the Cards letting Rolle leave. That would be like letting Dockett go. Yea I know Rolle isn't quite the player Dockett is but you get my meaning. I will worry about this when it happens and not before and I don't believe that it will happen. It just wouldn't make any sense. If need be we can keep Rolle and the 12 million salary he has this year and still afford to get just about anyone we want in free agency and then franchise Rolle the next two years like we did Dansby if we want to. I don't think Rolle has near as much leverage as most think he does.

 

[Catfish]

I have a hard time getting after Graves because of Rolle's rear loaded contract. I would almost bet that this was done in order to ensure that Rosenhaus had Rolle signed and delivered by the start of Training Camp. (His clients, especially the 'Me First' types from the 'U', had a penchant for holding out for bigger money than others around them were getting).

Remember, that contract was for a CB slot, and virtually EVERYONE was dead sure that both Rolle and Pac Man Jones would be great ones. If, Rolle had achieved that kind of success as a CB, then the back-loading of that contract makes a lot of sense. Since he was a bust at CB, then something should have been done somewhere along the line to negate the high-end pay-off. That may be just what they have done now by not seriously working to resign him. They may have decided that his constant free lancing at the FS spot was costing us far more than he would ever be capable of producing. (HE JUST FLAT MAY NOT BE COACHABLE). If so, then they are better off cutting their losses and getting on with the program.

If they believe that he just didn't get the proper coaching at FS, then they might try to bring him back once he and Rosenhaus find out that no one will pay 12 mil a year for a so so FS. We have some left over cash that can be used to up the ante after the fair market value has been established for his services this off season. An extra mil. or so over what others are willing to pay him, might make him want to come back here to play instead of hanging out at Browns Beach.

 

[cardsfanmd]

You can get on Graves if you want, I was on his back just yesterday

 

[kerouac9]

I have a hard time getting after Graves because of Rolle's rear loaded contract. I would almost bet that this was done in order to ensure that Rosenhaus had Rolle signed and delivered by the start of Training Camp. (His clients, especially the 'Me First' types from the 'U', had a penchant for holding out for bigger money than others around them were getting).

Remember, that contract was for a CB slot, and virtually EVERYONE was dead sure that both Rolle and Pac Man Jones would be great ones. If, Rolle had achieved that kind of success as a CB, then the back-loading of that contract makes a lot of sense. Since he was a bust at CB, then something should have been done somewhere along the line to negate the high-end pay-off. That may be just what they have done now by not seriously working to resign him. They may have decided that his constant free lancing at the FS spot was costing us far more than he would ever be capable of producing. (HE JUST FLAT MAY NOT BE COACHABLE). If so, then they are better off cutting their losses and getting on with the program.

If they believe that he just didn't get the proper coaching at FS, then they might try to bring him back once he and Rosenhaus find out that no one will pay 12 mil a year for a so so FS. We have some left over cash that can be used to up the ante after the fair market value has been established for his services this off season. An extra mil. or so over what others are willing to pay him, might make him want to come back here to play instead of hanging out at Browns Beach.

Drew Rosenhaus's clients almost always make it into camp on time as rookies. It's when they're looking for their second or third contracts that these guys are headaches.

Rolle held out because he didn't want to sit on a five-year contract. He wanted to let the team know that if he played well enough that he'd get his second contract a year early.

Seems like that's exactly what he's getting.

 

[Catfish]

Drew Rosenhaus's clients almost always make it into camp on time as rookies. It's when they're looking for their second or third contracts that these guys are headaches.

Rolle held out because he didn't want to sit on a five-year contract. He wanted to let the team know that if he played well enough that he'd get his second contract a year early.

Seems like that's exactly what he's getting.

That may be precisely what is happening here with Rolle. I am still convinced though, that nobody is going to pay Rolle 12 mil this year, or any year for that matter. I still think that IF they believe he is coachable, and talented enough, they have a chance at bringing him back into camp AFTER his fair market value is established. That will be done as a Free Safety, however, and will not command nearly the money that a Corner Back can command. I don't believe that anyone in the NFL believes that this guy will EVER be a CB. Many have doubts that he can even become a good safety.

 

[kerouac9]

That may be precisely what is happening here with Rolle. I am still convinced though, that nobody is going to pay Rolle 12 mil this year, or any year for that matter. I still think that IF they believe he is coachable, and talented enough, they have a chance at bringing him back into camp AFTER his fair market value is established. That will be done as a Free Safety, however, and will not command nearly the money that a Corner Back can command. I don't believe that anyone in the NFL believes that this guy will EVER be a CB. Many have doubts that he can even become a good safety.

Many here have doubts that he can become a good safety. There's a reason this guy was an alternate to the Pro Bowl. It's not because his hometown fans were voting for him.

I think that Rolle could still excel as a CB in a Tampa-2 defense where he wasn't being asked to man up in coverage and he was protected over the top.

I don't think you really understand how little $12 million guaranteed is in a free agency environment. I don't think he'll get $25 million guaranteed, but Antonio Smith got some $15 million guaranteed and he wasn't even that much more than a slightly above-average player.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

First off, Rolle had a better year than Wilson so and was a 1st round pick. So ,yes, he costs more. Why is Graves letting Wilson's contract hinder Rolle's. Who is going to be the better player over the next 4 years.? Likely Rolle. Just because AW is going to be overpaid doesn't mean Rolle should take less.
Secondly, and here's the main problem,imo. Rolle and Dansby are two of the better players on the Cards defense but they play relatively lower paying, lower priority positions on a defense. If the Cards paid high dollar amounts to those 2 they'd be way overpaying in regards to position. But not paying them leaves 2 gaping holes in the defense.

 

[cardpa]

I have a hard time getting after Graves because of Rolle's rear loaded contract. I would almost bet that this was done in order to ensure that Rosenhaus had Rolle signed and delivered by the start of Training Camp. (His clients, especially the 'Me First' types from the 'U', had a penchant for holding out for bigger money than others around them were getting).

Remember, that contract was for a CB slot, and virtually EVERYONE was dead sure that both Rolle and Pac Man Jones would be great ones. If, Rolle had achieved that kind of success as a CB, then the back-loading of that contract makes a lot of sense. Since he was a bust at CB, then something should have been done somewhere along the line to negate the high-end pay-off. That may be just what they have done now by not seriously working to resign him. They may have decided that his constant free lancing at the FS spot was costing us far more than he would ever be capable of producing. (HE JUST FLAT MAY NOT BE COACHABLE). If so, then they are better off cutting their losses and getting on with the program.

If they believe that he just didn't get the proper coaching at FS, then they might try to bring him back once he and Rosenhaus find out that no one will pay 12 mil a year for a so so FS. We have some left over cash that can be used to up the ante after the fair market value has been established for his services this off season. An extra mil. or so over what others are willing to pay him, might make him want to come back here to play instead of hanging out at Browns Beach.

Well stated Catfish.

I think the free lancing and coachability of Rolle is something the FO and Whiz are struggling with. Rolle brings certain things to the table unfortunately some are bad and that in essence is what brings his overall value down.

They may decide to roll the dice (no pun intended) without Rolle on the roster this coming season. I love it when he is on his game and can't stand it when he is out there and doesn't have an impact whatsoever.

The new DB coach hiring may have an impact on whether they keep Rolle or not. It may be why it was important to them to get the new DB coach in house before March 1st. He may have a say in how coachable he considers Rolle and if Rolle would fit into his plans/schemes.

 

[kerouac9]

Well stated Catfish.

I think the free lancing and coachability of Rolle is something the FO and Whiz are struggling with. Rolle brings certain things to the table unfortunately some are bad and that in essence is what brings his overall value down.

They may decide to roll the dice (no pun intended) without Rolle on the roster this coming season. I love it when he is on his game and can't stand it when he is out there and doesn't have an impact whatsoever.

The new DB coach hiring may have an impact on whether they keep Rolle or not. It may be why it was important to them to get the new DB coach in house before March 1st. He may have a say in how coachable he considers Rolle and if Rolle would fit into his plans/schemes.

When did coachability become a concern with Antrel Rolle? He's a "ME FIRST" player? WTF? Antrel Rolle is uncoachable so Whis thought it would be a good idea to punish him by inserting him into the offense and using trick plays for him.

Good grief, people. Just because he's probably not going to be a Cardinal next season doesn't mean that we have to start making things up about his career here.

 

[az jam]

When did coachability become a concern with Antrel Rolle? He's a "ME FIRST" player? WTF? Antrel Rolle is uncoachable so Whis thought it would be a good idea to punish him by inserting him into the offense and using trick plays for him.

Good grief, people. Just because he's probably not going to be a Cardinal next season doesn't mean that we have to start making things up about his career here.

Agree with you for sure on this. He is young, played in the Pro Bowl and will be missed. His best years are ahead of him.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

well said Red, but let me add this...

Who do you trust more with making decisions on our football team? RG or Coach Wiz? I know its a mute point, but I know my answer.

BIM: moot

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Doesn't it take two sides to make a negotiation? Why do you feel that it is always the FO's fault? In this situation I'm believing that it's Rosenhaus' stalling more than than the Cardinals.

Pretty sure Graves offered him the contract that is causing the issues at hand.

The last two seasons have bought Rod and his people some leeway in my book, but this certainly isn't the start of the offseason that I had hoped for. Hell, even the Whisenhunt extension isn't done.

 

[joeshmo]

Concerning Rolle the worst possible thing happened. 3 other safeties backed out of the Pro Bowl and Rolle backed his way in. The guy was 3rd or 4th alternate and he still went. According to all team insiders Rolle was walking around with a huge head for getting lucky and backing his way into the pro bowl. Now Drew and Rolle with that one tainted pro bowl he never would have seen in a normal year think they should be paid like Adrian Wilson. If Rolle didnt back his way into the pro bowl Rolle would be extended by now IMO.

 

[Chopper0080]

Pretty sure Graves offered him the contract that is causing the issues at hand.

The last two seasons have bought Rod and his people some leeway in my book, but this certainly isn't the start of the offseason that I had hoped for. Hell, even the Whisenhunt extension isn't done.

This and the fact that the Cardinals failed to lock up Rolle last year when they knew he was going to cost 12 million this year after his roster bonus. I can't blame Rolle for not giving a break to the organization that wouldn't commit to him long term.

I am getting more of the opinion that either the Cardinals had no intention of having Rolle on the roster this year, or Rod Graves is just an idiot. Furthermore, if they didn't want him on the roster, they should have cut him at the start of free agency.

 

[Chopper0080]

Concerning Rolle the worst possible thing happened. 3 other safeties backed out of the Pro Bowl and Rolle backed his way in. The guy was 3rd or 4th alternate and he still went. According to all team insiders Rolle was walking around with a huge head for getting lucky and backing his way into the pro bowl. Now Drew and Rolle with that one tainted pro bowl he never would have seen in a normal year think they should be paid like Adrian Wilson. If Rolle didnt back his way into the pro bowl Rolle would be extended by now IMO.

Joe, you and I both know that if the Cardinals wanted Rolle long term, their smartest play would have been extending him last year. The Pro Bowl has a little to do with it in respect to per year dollars in relation to other players, but at the heart of all this is that, through inaction, the Cardinals have backed themselves into a corner.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Joe, you and I both know that if the Cardinals wanted Rolle long term, their smartest play would have been extending him last year. The Pro Bowl has a little to do with it in respect to per year dollars in relation to other players, but at the heart of all this is that, through inaction, the Cardinals have backed themselves into a corner.

Where was the $$$ suppose to come from last year?

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

One question: When the Cardinals made the switch to Saftey, why didn't they try to renegoitate then?

 

[Chopper0080]

Where was the $$$ suppose to come from last year?

Well they paid Rolle around 5 million last year, and if they wanted to keep him, they could have renegotiated the first year cap hit to be around that number.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Well they paid Rolle around 5 million last year, and if they wanted to keep him, they could have renegotiated the first year cap hit to be around that number.

In addition, instead of paying roster bonuses, more of this money could be used for other purposes. Creatively, it can be done.