Was it a risk paying Brady that much knowing he could get injured?
You're comparing apples to oranges here.
Anytime you sign a player to ANY kind of contract, there's the risk of them getting injured. It took Joe Theisman roughly 3.5 seconds to have his career ended.. It took Tom Brady about 5 to have his season ended. At the same time, would you say prior to this, Brady was a wise investment? I would.
What we're talking about here is more than just a talent/money perspective. Not many teams in this league have the benefit the Cardinals have, with a potential franchise signal caller, a Top 10 pick and a former Heisman Trophy winner, who played four years in a pro style offense, sitting on the pine.
There's other avenues in this contract that should be explored by us as well. Trust me, if it was as simple as shelling out 4 million extra per season, Warner would have been re-signed by now.
And how old was Brady as Warner went to the SB THIS year. Age is irrelevant.
Not when you're 38 and have a 25 year old backup who is likely ready to start.
Performance is the only thing that matters when looking at a 2 year contract. If Warner was looking for a 10 year contract, that might a different issue but Warner was only looking for a 2 year commitment. Are the odds better for the Cards to return to the SB for the next 2 years w/ Warner (w/ all the chemistry, confidence, knowledge, etc.), or w/o him? Thus, his age is really irrelevant.
If we're playing the odds game, the Cards chances of making the Super Bowl again next season and having long term staying power are much better with Boldin re-signed than Warner. I think Leinart CAN lead the Cardinals there, don't think this experience of seeing his team nearly win the Super Bowl while he rode the pine as a spectator hasn't matured him more than he's reportedly already been matured on his own.
4 million saved could be 4 million given to Boldin, making him a happy camper and keeping him in town long term. You take Boldin away, I don't care how great Fitz is and Breaston is, you are missing a huge wrinkle. Take Warner away, the hole is there, but it's not a hole that is going to need major cosmetic repair to fix.
If Warner is re-signed, as I've stated previously, you may as well slap the "Sold to the Highest Bidder" sign on Leinart's back, and if you're expecting to get prime return for him, don't hold your breath.