Yes.
If you're still in the running, you have to cut him. While Kolb isn't done, he's only a weird medium strength hit from getting a concussion and he may be done (or stigmatized concretely for concussions where no team will count on him as a starter). He's going to take many hits at that level or harder with any significant playing time. If he's our QB, he's going to take these hits. I think it's only a matter of time before the cards will have to get out of the contract because of the concussions, regardless of play, and this IS our best shot at getting a QB now or next year.
Sure we could get the #1-2 overall pick, sniff around Brees, etc, the Manning situation right now still represents our best shot at filling our QB need, and it's this year.
There's still lots of options, and we could always re-sign Kolb (not expecting much). Maybe Hass. Nothing is a good option, but the upside of Kolb is moot with concussions and there are some backup QB's-marginal starters out there. If Browns pick up Kolb, they probably drop Seneca Wallace.
None of these are good short term fixes unless we luck out, but in the NFL availability is key, and I have a hunch there are quite a few QB's, even Seneca Wallace, are more dependable than Kolb health wise, and thus be worthy of a roster spot. Of course also needing to cut someone to add another QB when Kolb goes down.
As long as our front office knows we need to get another QB in 2013, I'm fine with Skelton, Wallace/Hass/Other FA/Draft, Bartel for next year if Manning were then to choose someone else. Who knows what Skelton does. But at least we'd be in that situation because we tried to get better with Manning.
Then in 2013 we look for another QB. But with concussions, I doubt Kolb can last through a season without another, and so either way we'll be looking for a QB. Again NOW is our best shot.
Of course Kolb could make it through the season without a concussion, and play good. However at least on the concussion side, that's approaching miracle territory. Wasn't he supposed to maybe be here 10 years? The concussion risk is going to be there every year. I don't see how he has a long career unless it's a backup who rarely plays. That's obviously what we're not looking for. Obviously what we didn't pay for. Now is the time to notice it, and it is also the time it matters the most.
While it might not mean anything, it would also show Manning we mean business to take such a leap of faith. It might mean something.
If you still have a shot at Manning, cut him loose. Letting a high dollar medical risk with an injury type that recurs and is life debilitating determine the fate of getting the best field general QB in the history of the game, and not that player himself, is asinine imo.
Medically we're never going to be able to count on Kolb, and it is very possible that his concussions force him to retire before Manning. We're not holding onto much help for our team by holding onto Kolb.
Banks holding onto worthless crap and pretending it's worth full value doesn't make a bank any more solvent. An NFL football team holding onto a QB with huge red flag medical issues believing they and their huge contract can be a cornerstone of their team doesn't make the team any better. Throw in that you'll be pulling yourself out of the final three for the best and probably only shot to get a franchise QB with this relative group of players (aka this Cardinals era) for this player, makes it even worse.
Besides, the media and/or other teams might be trying to run out the clock and force our hand. We'll then be on the same playing field as any other team for Peyton.
No way does Kolb start out his contract. So why are we paying him like it? Why are we counting on him? Why would we allow him to take us out of the Manning sweepstakes?
Because he signed the contract is not a valid answer. Because we gave up DRC and a 2nd (yet to be paid)? These are all sunk costs. These decisions only hurt going forward, if we hold onto the mistake.
What if he decides to open 'negotiations' with two teams, including us? Would we give up in the middle and keep Kolb?
Either way the only good thing about the Kolb situation is that Manning might make a decision faster. He thinks it's our deadline. We can still change our minds on that. It appears our situation is driving the timeline (which to me seems a bit telling), and we can always push it back, and still win Manning, by making the logical choice and cutting our losses on Kolb.
We also don't want a forced no....A no, because I'm not ready to decide, however if you didn't have a deadline it could still be yes.
So imo an hour or so before the deadline if there is still nothing, perhaps you cut Kolb then, so you don't get a forced 'no'...that still could have been yes.
The key is to only let Manning choose not to be with you. Not some artificial reason that poor planning dictates.
There's probably even more nuances to this, but we don't know how much any of the teams are in contact and what they might have set up around tomorrow or the process in general. If you can get info that you're still in it, cut Kolb, and cut him early if necessary.
Only keep Kolb if you are out, and only out because Manning chose that, not forced into it timewise.
Something like that.
