Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
1. The busiest cellphone in the Phoenix area right now---other than Kurt Warner's---has to be Rod Graves'. The agents for free agent QBs (both UFA and RFA)---and QBs who are not projected to start with their respective teams---are lighting Graves' cellphone up like a switchboard.
Put it this way, the Cardinals are going to get into plenty of discussions about what QBs they are going to bring in to either compete with Matt Leinart for the starting job, or back Leinart up. With Leinart's big pay day looming in 2011, the backup gig in Arizona could well be one of the more fortuitous gigs for a QB these days.
Paola Boivin speculated on ESPN that the Cardinals will do all they can to create competition at QB, that they are not going to put all their eggs in Matt Leinart's basket.
Minutes later Bod Davis speculated on ESPN that he feels the Cardinals will sign a respectable backup---one who wouldn't be expeccted to put much pressure on Leinart---and then draft a young QB this spring.
What do you think the Cardinals will do?
The biggest question I have heading into these decisions is...is there a QB in this draft that the Cardinals could acquire with the #26 pick or beyond that has the game and the temperament to be the team's starter in 2011, if indeed the Cardinals are not willing to pay Leinart $14M or are able to restructure his deal?
It would seem to me that the answer is no. This is a relatively weak draft for QBs, heck I am not even that high on Jimmy Clausen's prospects for being a starter in two years and Sam Bradford is no lock because of his injury situation. Beyond those two, all I see are classic projects that will take teams several years to develop if they can develop at all.
For those who think Tim Tebow is a legitimate option, while Tebow has strong leadership credentials and is an anomaly as a running QB, his slow release and accuracy issues immediately rule him out as becoming a starter in Whiz's system. Wildcat option, yes, Starter, no. With all the needs the Cardinals have this year, drafting a Wildcat QB at #26 would seem foolish.
What this means is, the Cardinals should do everything they can this year to add depth and competition to the position. I think they will sign two veteran free agents (one younger and one older) to 2-3 year incentive laden contracts and open the position up in training camp.
All this business that Matty needs to feel like he's the man is inane. This time Matty needs to win the job, and if he does, that is what should do wonders for his confidence. While, as I've said, I question his arm strength, mechancis and leadership, I am going to trust in Whiz and will be looking at Matt with an open mind this year. Whiz has been consistent in his praise of Leinart, so, if Whiz is sincere in his praise, then I and every other Lienart skeptic needs to be patient in seeing how all this develops.
The other question is: what if Leinart plays well this year and plays hardball with the Cardinals thinking he deserves the $14M in 2011, a contract year, no less? This season could be a Matt Lienart one year audition for another team and with his gaudy contract numbers in 2011, making a trade is virutally out of the question at that point. Thus, the Cardinals get nothing back in return, and their QB situation would be up in the air all over again.
Let's face it, can you actually see a scenario where the Cardinals would be willing to pay Leinart his $14M? Especially in light of setting Kurt Warner's value at $11.5M?
Don't be surprised if Leinart would force the Cardinals to release him, especially now that Pete Carroll is in Seattle and Matt Hasselbeck is a year or two from retiring.
I've got to hand it to Beanie Wells, who was interviewed by ESPN yesterday in the aftermath of KW's retirement. When asked about Leinart, Beanie said that people shouldn't judge him on his late game sub performances, but should instead look at the games he started. Wells was wonderfullly supportive and judicious in his remarks....the sign of an outstanding teammate.
2. It's going to be a very difficult year to sign free agents, as we can all sense, for with there being no salary cap, teams will easily be able to offer high tenders on free agents they want to protect. ..which will mean that teams in the bidding for those players will have to surrender high draft picks to get the,.
Some team might be willing to give up two or three of their first four draft picks to land free agents, but that team won't be the Cardinals.
Here's what I think the Cardinals will do:
A. Identify the core players who are free agents of some sort now or are with one year of becoming free agents and do the best they can to sign these players to long-term deals.
IMO, those players include:
C Lyle Sendlein
G Deuce Lutui
TE Ben Patrick
WR Steve Breaston
DE Calais Campbell
Rework the following veteran contracts:
DE Darnell Dockett
FS Antrel Rolle
Re-sign the following veterans to contract a little above the veteran minimum:
G/T Jeremy Bridges
T/G Mike Gandy
TE Anthony Becht
FS Matt Ware
Trade Anquan Boldin with the objective of getting a draft pick and a player (a QB or LB) in return.
Players that might be of interest as part of a Boldin trade:
QB David Garrard, Jaguars. I get the sense that the Jags want a change at QB. Garrard put up a 102.2 passer rating a couple of years ago, but, due to iffy o-line help and so-so receivers, has not built on that number since. In the right situation, he could thrive.
QB Tyler Thigpen, Dolphins. Could well be a player the Dolphins would easily throw into a package in order to acquire Boldin. Thigpen threw 18 TDs for the Chiefs in 2008 as a 2nd year player. He's heading into his 4th year in the league, and in Miami is stuck behind Chad Henne.
QB Derek Anderson, Browns. Mike Holmgren would love to have Anquan Boldin and Anderson may be one bargaining chip up his sleeve. Anderson has had two suppar years after throwing 29 TDs in 2007. He's 6'6" and 230, and has upside as he heading into his 6th NFL season.
QB Jason Campbell, Redskins. There's no telling what Mike Shanahan is going to do, but he would love to get his hands on Boldin. Campbell has not played up to his ability this far, but he has good size (6-5, 231) and puts good touch on the ball.
DE Osi Umenyiora, Giants. The Giants are still kicking themselves for not making a move on Boldin last year. Umenyiora was relegated to pass rush specialist last year, was not happy about it and did not play very well. His knee is a year stronger and with a change of scenery could bounce back to form.
LB Channing Crowder, Dolphins. The Dolphins have wanted more big plays from him than what they've been getting, although he registered 114 tackles in 2008. Not sure if Mike Nolan is endeared to him or not.
LB Shawn Crable or LB Pierre Woods, Patriots. Crable hasn't gotten on track yet with the Pats and heads into his third year. Woods brings speed and ahtleticism. Both are young and need experience.
LB Vernon Gholston, Jets. Has been labeled a bust thus far, but is only heading into his third year. Would be a risk, but with a possible high reward.
LB Jameel McClain, Ravens. Aggressive young player who made two safeties in one game in 2008.
LB D'Qwell Jackson, Browns. Has shown solid ability and wants a big contract, but will be a restricted free agent this year.
Add your own (who would you add to this list?)...and some have already been mentioned as a part of trade rumors.
3. The four most interesting contract scenarios to watch:
A. Karlos Dansby. With all the added salary room the Cardinals have acquired, would they now choose to slap the transistion tag on Dansby? What that would mean is the Cardinals would have the right to match any offer Dansby receives. It would also mean that if the Cardinals do match a contract, they would have to pay Dansby a 20% increase on last year's salary in the first year of his contract, which would mean a figure in the neighborhood of $11.4M.
The franchise tag figure for Dansby approaches $14M. Thus, at least with the transition tag, less money is involved and the Cardinals could rescind the transition tag if they feel they were able to cover their needs in free agency, through trades or the draft. However, only the franchise tag guarantees compensation if the player signs elsewhere. The transistion tag does not...it just give the team the right to match.
The best scenario is that Dansby tells the Cardinals that he will apprise them of any offer he would accept and give them the chance to match it. But, those agreements are often compromised on when the player gets excited about another team and the figure he's been offered.
Because signing free agents this year is going to be very difficult, it's possible the Cardinals may slap the transition tag on Dansby in figuring Dansby won't get the big offer he's looking for and thus would be able to match whatever contract offer he gets. But, this may prolong the Dansby saga another year if he settles for no long-term deal and re-signs for the one year as he's done the last two.
B. Antrel Rolle. This situation could get very sticky. The Cardinals want to re-sign him. But, Rolle, may force the Cardinals' hand and opt for his release. The Cardinals would then lose him without getting anything in return. It's possible the Cardinals could find a team to trade for for him with the intention of reworking his contract, but that's highly unlikely.
Rolle seems like a loyal player. But, with Warner retired, Dansby on his way out, and all the flux right now in Arizona, he may want to jump ship, particularly if he can get swooped up by one of the Florida teams.
It would seem that the Cardinals would likely have to overpay for Rolle on a new contract, if they wish to keep him. IMO, the Cardinals won't overpay on Rolle after paying Adrian Wilson the big bucks last year.
C. Bryant McFadden. It's as simple as this, either BMF agrees to a new, less lucrative contract (not even sure if the Cardinals would even offer him one), he will be released. None of his $5M contract for next year is guaranteed, and at that figure he's vastly overpayed.
D. Gerald Hayes. The Cardinals have to figure out whether they can rely on Hayes returning to health and form. He's due to make $3.4M next year which is affordable if Hayes is playing and playing up to form. But, the team needs a viable and productive option if Hayes remains injured. Reggie Walker might be that answer, but he's young. And Monty Beisel has back issues of his own, and did not play that well at the end of the year in Hayes' place.
Thus, the official position in flux list stands at:
QB
FB
LT
TE
NT
ILB
ILB
WOLB
CB
FS
Put it this way, the Cardinals are going to get into plenty of discussions about what QBs they are going to bring in to either compete with Matt Leinart for the starting job, or back Leinart up. With Leinart's big pay day looming in 2011, the backup gig in Arizona could well be one of the more fortuitous gigs for a QB these days.
Paola Boivin speculated on ESPN that the Cardinals will do all they can to create competition at QB, that they are not going to put all their eggs in Matt Leinart's basket.
Minutes later Bod Davis speculated on ESPN that he feels the Cardinals will sign a respectable backup---one who wouldn't be expeccted to put much pressure on Leinart---and then draft a young QB this spring.
What do you think the Cardinals will do?
The biggest question I have heading into these decisions is...is there a QB in this draft that the Cardinals could acquire with the #26 pick or beyond that has the game and the temperament to be the team's starter in 2011, if indeed the Cardinals are not willing to pay Leinart $14M or are able to restructure his deal?
It would seem to me that the answer is no. This is a relatively weak draft for QBs, heck I am not even that high on Jimmy Clausen's prospects for being a starter in two years and Sam Bradford is no lock because of his injury situation. Beyond those two, all I see are classic projects that will take teams several years to develop if they can develop at all.
For those who think Tim Tebow is a legitimate option, while Tebow has strong leadership credentials and is an anomaly as a running QB, his slow release and accuracy issues immediately rule him out as becoming a starter in Whiz's system. Wildcat option, yes, Starter, no. With all the needs the Cardinals have this year, drafting a Wildcat QB at #26 would seem foolish.
What this means is, the Cardinals should do everything they can this year to add depth and competition to the position. I think they will sign two veteran free agents (one younger and one older) to 2-3 year incentive laden contracts and open the position up in training camp.
All this business that Matty needs to feel like he's the man is inane. This time Matty needs to win the job, and if he does, that is what should do wonders for his confidence. While, as I've said, I question his arm strength, mechancis and leadership, I am going to trust in Whiz and will be looking at Matt with an open mind this year. Whiz has been consistent in his praise of Leinart, so, if Whiz is sincere in his praise, then I and every other Lienart skeptic needs to be patient in seeing how all this develops.
The other question is: what if Leinart plays well this year and plays hardball with the Cardinals thinking he deserves the $14M in 2011, a contract year, no less? This season could be a Matt Lienart one year audition for another team and with his gaudy contract numbers in 2011, making a trade is virutally out of the question at that point. Thus, the Cardinals get nothing back in return, and their QB situation would be up in the air all over again.
Let's face it, can you actually see a scenario where the Cardinals would be willing to pay Leinart his $14M? Especially in light of setting Kurt Warner's value at $11.5M?
Don't be surprised if Leinart would force the Cardinals to release him, especially now that Pete Carroll is in Seattle and Matt Hasselbeck is a year or two from retiring.
I've got to hand it to Beanie Wells, who was interviewed by ESPN yesterday in the aftermath of KW's retirement. When asked about Leinart, Beanie said that people shouldn't judge him on his late game sub performances, but should instead look at the games he started. Wells was wonderfullly supportive and judicious in his remarks....the sign of an outstanding teammate.
2. It's going to be a very difficult year to sign free agents, as we can all sense, for with there being no salary cap, teams will easily be able to offer high tenders on free agents they want to protect. ..which will mean that teams in the bidding for those players will have to surrender high draft picks to get the,.
Some team might be willing to give up two or three of their first four draft picks to land free agents, but that team won't be the Cardinals.
Here's what I think the Cardinals will do:
A. Identify the core players who are free agents of some sort now or are with one year of becoming free agents and do the best they can to sign these players to long-term deals.
IMO, those players include:
C Lyle Sendlein
G Deuce Lutui
TE Ben Patrick
WR Steve Breaston
DE Calais Campbell
Rework the following veteran contracts:
DE Darnell Dockett
FS Antrel Rolle
Re-sign the following veterans to contract a little above the veteran minimum:
G/T Jeremy Bridges
T/G Mike Gandy
TE Anthony Becht
FS Matt Ware
Trade Anquan Boldin with the objective of getting a draft pick and a player (a QB or LB) in return.
Players that might be of interest as part of a Boldin trade:
QB David Garrard, Jaguars. I get the sense that the Jags want a change at QB. Garrard put up a 102.2 passer rating a couple of years ago, but, due to iffy o-line help and so-so receivers, has not built on that number since. In the right situation, he could thrive.
QB Tyler Thigpen, Dolphins. Could well be a player the Dolphins would easily throw into a package in order to acquire Boldin. Thigpen threw 18 TDs for the Chiefs in 2008 as a 2nd year player. He's heading into his 4th year in the league, and in Miami is stuck behind Chad Henne.
QB Derek Anderson, Browns. Mike Holmgren would love to have Anquan Boldin and Anderson may be one bargaining chip up his sleeve. Anderson has had two suppar years after throwing 29 TDs in 2007. He's 6'6" and 230, and has upside as he heading into his 6th NFL season.
QB Jason Campbell, Redskins. There's no telling what Mike Shanahan is going to do, but he would love to get his hands on Boldin. Campbell has not played up to his ability this far, but he has good size (6-5, 231) and puts good touch on the ball.
DE Osi Umenyiora, Giants. The Giants are still kicking themselves for not making a move on Boldin last year. Umenyiora was relegated to pass rush specialist last year, was not happy about it and did not play very well. His knee is a year stronger and with a change of scenery could bounce back to form.
LB Channing Crowder, Dolphins. The Dolphins have wanted more big plays from him than what they've been getting, although he registered 114 tackles in 2008. Not sure if Mike Nolan is endeared to him or not.
LB Shawn Crable or LB Pierre Woods, Patriots. Crable hasn't gotten on track yet with the Pats and heads into his third year. Woods brings speed and ahtleticism. Both are young and need experience.
LB Vernon Gholston, Jets. Has been labeled a bust thus far, but is only heading into his third year. Would be a risk, but with a possible high reward.
LB Jameel McClain, Ravens. Aggressive young player who made two safeties in one game in 2008.
LB D'Qwell Jackson, Browns. Has shown solid ability and wants a big contract, but will be a restricted free agent this year.
Add your own (who would you add to this list?)...and some have already been mentioned as a part of trade rumors.
3. The four most interesting contract scenarios to watch:
A. Karlos Dansby. With all the added salary room the Cardinals have acquired, would they now choose to slap the transistion tag on Dansby? What that would mean is the Cardinals would have the right to match any offer Dansby receives. It would also mean that if the Cardinals do match a contract, they would have to pay Dansby a 20% increase on last year's salary in the first year of his contract, which would mean a figure in the neighborhood of $11.4M.
The franchise tag figure for Dansby approaches $14M. Thus, at least with the transition tag, less money is involved and the Cardinals could rescind the transition tag if they feel they were able to cover their needs in free agency, through trades or the draft. However, only the franchise tag guarantees compensation if the player signs elsewhere. The transistion tag does not...it just give the team the right to match.
The best scenario is that Dansby tells the Cardinals that he will apprise them of any offer he would accept and give them the chance to match it. But, those agreements are often compromised on when the player gets excited about another team and the figure he's been offered.
Because signing free agents this year is going to be very difficult, it's possible the Cardinals may slap the transition tag on Dansby in figuring Dansby won't get the big offer he's looking for and thus would be able to match whatever contract offer he gets. But, this may prolong the Dansby saga another year if he settles for no long-term deal and re-signs for the one year as he's done the last two.
B. Antrel Rolle. This situation could get very sticky. The Cardinals want to re-sign him. But, Rolle, may force the Cardinals' hand and opt for his release. The Cardinals would then lose him without getting anything in return. It's possible the Cardinals could find a team to trade for for him with the intention of reworking his contract, but that's highly unlikely.
Rolle seems like a loyal player. But, with Warner retired, Dansby on his way out, and all the flux right now in Arizona, he may want to jump ship, particularly if he can get swooped up by one of the Florida teams.
It would seem that the Cardinals would likely have to overpay for Rolle on a new contract, if they wish to keep him. IMO, the Cardinals won't overpay on Rolle after paying Adrian Wilson the big bucks last year.
C. Bryant McFadden. It's as simple as this, either BMF agrees to a new, less lucrative contract (not even sure if the Cardinals would even offer him one), he will be released. None of his $5M contract for next year is guaranteed, and at that figure he's vastly overpayed.
D. Gerald Hayes. The Cardinals have to figure out whether they can rely on Hayes returning to health and form. He's due to make $3.4M next year which is affordable if Hayes is playing and playing up to form. But, the team needs a viable and productive option if Hayes remains injured. Reggie Walker might be that answer, but he's young. And Monty Beisel has back issues of his own, and did not play that well at the end of the year in Hayes' place.
Thus, the official position in flux list stands at:
QB
FB
LT
TE
NT
ILB
ILB
WOLB
CB
FS
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