Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
One of the sadder scenes this off-season has been the negotiations between Kurt Warner and the Cardinals. I can understand Warner (or Warner’s wife’s desire) to get a fair contract. I also understand Warner took the Cards to unprecedented heights last season and should get some money retrospectively for being underpaid for those accomplishments. Still, Kurt’s tossed out some errant passes in his time here, and none missed the mark by more than this one.
Warner’s position is over the edge. First, we’re talking about a 38 year old QB. There is no upside, but clearly a possible downside. Second, who else stepped up to offer him a decent contract and a chance to start after he was hung out to dry by his previous associates? He wants gratitude from the Cards, but where’s his gratitude for getting the chance to show he could still play.
The Arizona package includes the best receiver in the NFL and certainly the one that provides more completions on marginally thrown passes than anyone else in the picture. The offer also likely includes the easiest path in NFL to the playoffs. The Jets and now the Niners need a QB. Does anyone see them playoff bound with Warner at the helm?
The worse part of this mess is that it wasn’t resolved before free agency started. Warner is hurting the team’s chances of improving themselves for another run at the Super Bowl. Without extraneous factors, Warner’s age, history and performance would likely justify a $10 million, two-year contract. Throwing in a couple of million per year to reward him for last season seems acceptable and that’s the Cards’ offer. Beyond that it’s Leinart time. Thank Mr. Warner for his efforts and move forward. Use his money to sign a couple of quality free agents and improve the team. Find out if the Cards’ still have a franchise QB on their roster, even with Warner gone.
If Warner and his agent want to do a Gordon Gekko impersonation that’s fine, but the Cards should set an immediate deadline and move on. We should all admire Warner’s play and contributions. He’s a great guy to have associated with the team. However, if his personal goals impede the team’s success, then it would seem best for both parties to agree to move forward separately.
Warner’s position is over the edge. First, we’re talking about a 38 year old QB. There is no upside, but clearly a possible downside. Second, who else stepped up to offer him a decent contract and a chance to start after he was hung out to dry by his previous associates? He wants gratitude from the Cards, but where’s his gratitude for getting the chance to show he could still play.
The Arizona package includes the best receiver in the NFL and certainly the one that provides more completions on marginally thrown passes than anyone else in the picture. The offer also likely includes the easiest path in NFL to the playoffs. The Jets and now the Niners need a QB. Does anyone see them playoff bound with Warner at the helm?
The worse part of this mess is that it wasn’t resolved before free agency started. Warner is hurting the team’s chances of improving themselves for another run at the Super Bowl. Without extraneous factors, Warner’s age, history and performance would likely justify a $10 million, two-year contract. Throwing in a couple of million per year to reward him for last season seems acceptable and that’s the Cards’ offer. Beyond that it’s Leinart time. Thank Mr. Warner for his efforts and move forward. Use his money to sign a couple of quality free agents and improve the team. Find out if the Cards’ still have a franchise QB on their roster, even with Warner gone.
If Warner and his agent want to do a Gordon Gekko impersonation that’s fine, but the Cards should set an immediate deadline and move on. We should all admire Warner’s play and contributions. He’s a great guy to have associated with the team. However, if his personal goals impede the team’s success, then it would seem best for both parties to agree to move forward separately.
