You are the GM of the Cardinals, what do you do?

[cardsfanmd]

I am worried about our RFA's Breston and Lutui. Even if we put a 1st rounder tag on them will a club try to snatch them away. Remember the Draft is a crap shoot and both of our RFA's are known quanities.

NOBODY is going to give up a 1st for Lutui and I seriously doubt anyone outside of maybe Oakland would do it for Breaston. You are WAAAAAAAAAAY overvaluing them here. I'd take a 1st for either player in a heartbeat considering that we have Q/Early and Johnson/Keith. Breaston is a #2 receiver and Lutui is an above average guard. Neither of those types are first round worthy.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

#1 Extend Whiz. Players like him, and knowing he'll be around for a long time will make us a more attractive team for our players to resign, and free agents as well.

Resign Lutui
Resign Becht
Resign Spach
Resign Breaston
Resign Patrick
Resign Sendlein

Extend Rolle
Extend Reggie Wells

Originally had Branch and Doucet extended, but they'll be restricted so no need to take any action this year.

Attempt a front loaded extension for Dockett.

Trade Boldin to any AFC team for anything we can get for him. People keep posting their pipe dreams of getting 2 draft picks for him. Trade him for a 4th or 5th, don't care. I think Boldin is worth more than a 4th or 5th, but I think our offense is fine and we need to get something back for a sadly expendable Boldin.

Use a late round draft pick on a QB to serve as a backup (or get Palko on the squad). Along with this, sign a servicable second or third string QB. QB roster would look like: Leinart -> Draft/FA -> FA/Draft. Using a draft pick is unnecessary if Warner doesn't retire.

Use a first day pick on a OT.

All other draft picks to Defensive positions.

(Exceptions made for BPA with huge potential at any position).

With our one big Free Agent signing we'll get from Dansby, attempt to find either a high priced (but worth every penny) OLB, DB, or (last choice) OT.

If we put enough focus on bringing in Defensive Talent, then we can successfully make the transition to a defensive minded run first team that keeps our defense off the field and keeps them fresh throughout the season.

Uncapped year: Lutui and Breaston are restricted.

BIM: RE-SIGN

 

[Treefiddy]

Uncapped year: Lutui and Breaston are restricted.

According to Joe's spreadsheet, their contracts are due anyway. We need to resign them to something, Restricted Free Agent or not.

And I forgot about the change to the draft this year. So I'll just say first or second rounder on an Offensive Tackle that can be ready to play as early as this year, and as late as next year.

 

[Cards Czar]

NOBODY is going to give up a 1st for Lutui and I seriously doubt anyone outside of maybe Oakland would do it for Breaston. You are WAAAAAAAAAAY overvaluing them here. I'd take a 1st for either player in a heartbeat considering that we have Q/Early and Johnson/Keith. Breaston is a #2 receiver and Lutui is an above average guard. Neither of those types are first round worthy.

What i am trying to say is If the put a even the lowest tender is the spot where they where drafted. Now if lets say KC made a play for Lutui or Breston and offered there #2 for either of them, Would the cardinals match or for for the pick. Just because you put a 1st rounder tender does not mean you cant bargin for the player.

 

[Snakester]

On offense -First and foremost we need a new left tackle. Either he is our first round draft pick or our top free agent pick up.2- We need to re-sign Deuce Lutui. He had a solid year this year and he is just going into his prime. 3-I would like to keep Boldin. Hopefully he will except a decent contract and not hold out. 4- I would love to sign or draft a big time passcatching TE. I would like to our own Vernon Davis or Heath Miller. 5-We finally have a good blocking TE in Anthony Becht. We need to re-sign him. Last, if Kurt Warner does retire we need a good vet backup for Leinart as well as drafting a guy to bring along.

On Defense
First, we have to get some bigtime passrushers. The majority of the 2010 draft should be used on defense. A passrushing linebacker as well as a passrushing DE. Then a CB and finally a DT. I would love to see this team sign a big time passrusher in free agency.

 

[overseascardfan]

After some thought this is how I hope our offseason pans out:

Losses:
OLB Karlos Dansby - We will not franchise him and he won't take a reasonable deal so he's out.

LT Mike Gandy - Had a nice run here and will get a nice contract somewhere else, he's only 30 so he has a few years left.

FA Additions:
OLB Shawn Merriman - English was drafted to replace him and a change in scenery could be good for him.

DT Ryan Pickett - BJ Raji will replace him at NT, I don't see GB tagging him. My first choice would be Vince Wilfork but NE will not let him go.

ILB D'Meco Ryans - We have to lose another guy but I would sign this guy in a heartbeat to team up with Hayes. Former Defensive ROY if I'm not mistaken.


Trades:
#1 - Anquan Boldin to MIA for 2nd & 5th rounder. Parcells needs a go to reciever and Boldin is from FLA so it seems like a good fit.

#2 - Third round pick to SD for CB Antonio Cromartie. SD has Jammer and Cason so Cromartie is excess plus his salary makes him more expendable. Unites with his cousin to form a good coverage duo, albeit they can't tackle but they make up for it on an island.


Draft:
#1 - OT Trent Williams - I prefer Hughes but I do not believe he will be there at #27. Williams plays RT and Brown plays LT to protect Matty.

#2A - TE Jermaine Gresham - Receiving TE that gives our QB another target. Slips to 2nd round after missing year with torn ACL, will provide us with a perfect complement to Anthony Becht.

#2B - C Maurkice Pouncey - Will challenge Sendlein for starting spot this year. Huge C that can move the pile.

#4 - OLB/DE Brandon Lang - Next great Troy defender to join the NFL. Didn't have a great SR year but will add another pass rushing OLB to our stable.

#5A - OLB Cameron Scheffield - Joins Lang to solidy our LB corps. Can drop into coverage as well.

#5B - CB Devin Ross - 4th CB will replace Ralph Brown / Michael Adams.

#6 - QB Sean Canfield - Developmental QB prospect.

#7 - WR Kelton Tindal - 6'3 WR that runs a 4.25 40, will replace Urban in the slot and can return kicks. Deep threat burner we haven't had.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

After some thought this is how I hope our offseason pans out:

Losses:
OLB Karlos Dansby - We will not franchise him and he won't take a reasonable deal so he's out.

LT Mike Gandy - Had a nice run here and will get a nice contract somewhere else, he's only 30 so he has a few years left.

FA Additions:
OLB Shawn Merriman - English was drafted to replace him and a change in scenery could be good for him.

DT Ryan Pickett - BJ Raji will replace him at NT, I don't see GB tagging him. My first choice would be Vince Wilfork but NE will not let him go.

ILB D'Meco Ryans - We have to lose another guy but I would sign this guy in a heartbeat to team up with Hayes. Former Defensive ROY if I'm not mistaken.


Trades:
#1 - Anquan Boldin to MIA for 2nd & 5th rounder. Parcells needs a go to reciever and Boldin is from FLA so it seems like a good fit.

#2 - Third round pick to SD for CB Antonio Cromartie. SD has Jammer and Cason so Cromartie is excess plus his salary makes him more expendable. Unites with his cousin to form a good coverage duo, albeit they can't tackle but they make up for it on an island.


Draft:
#1 - OT Trent Williams - I prefer Hughes but I do not believe he will be there at #27. Williams plays RT and Brown plays LT to protect Matty.

#2A - TE Jermaine Gresham - Receiving TE that gives our QB another target. Slips to 2nd round after missing year with torn ACL, will provide us with a perfect complement to Anthony Becht.

#2B - C Maurkice Pouncey - Will challenge Sendlein for starting spot this year. Huge C that can move the pile.

#4 - OLB/DE Brandon Lang - Next great Troy defender to join the NFL. Didn't have a great SR year but will add another pass rushing OLB to our stable.

#5A - OLB Cameron Scheffield - Joins Lang to solidy our LB corps. Can drop into coverage as well.

#5B - CB Devin Ross - 4th CB will replace Ralph Brown / Michael Adams.

#6 - QB Sean Canfield - Developmental QB prospect.

#7 - WR Kelton Tindal - 6'3 WR that runs a 4.25 40, will replace Urban in the slot and can return kicks. Deep threat burner we haven't had.

Like a lot of your thinking, but I wouldn't pass on a LB (inside or outside) for a centre in the second round, given that Coach Whiz raves about Sendlein.

 

[Duckjake]

ILB D'Meco Ryans - We have to lose another guy but I would sign this guy in a heartbeat to team up with Hayes. Former Defensive ROY if I'm not mistaken.

The Texans gave Antonio Smith $15 million last year. If the Cards can't afford Dansby no way they can compete with the Texans for Ryans.

 

[Doug]

Please GOD don't let us waste a pick on either of the Pouncey brothers from the Florida Gators.I'm an old offensive lineman and have watched them both as closely as any NFL scout has ever watched anyone they were gonna pick in the draft.

Neither will succeed in the NFL as a starter in my personal opinion and folks think of all 5 of our offensive lineman Sendlein is the safest of all of them.I don't agree he is as dominant as many are saying but he did improve from last season.It was the unexpected decline from our healthy Reggie Wells that dissapointed our team the most on the offensive line.His pulling and power moves have been horrible.I'm at a loss for what we do to try and help him.It maybe an injury I'm not aware of.

My main point in this post is just to repeat.DON'T TAKE EITHER OF THE POUNCEY BROTHERS as they killed the Gators this year and no one could run behind that pair.Cost the Gators a chance to play Texas for the National title in my personal opinion.

The Gators could not move the ball on the ground at all nor protect Tebow due to the twins.Run from them!!! I've seen more than most on these guys.Sorry to disagree with the poster above who was wanting to draft a center in the second round.We need a COUPLE Stud ILB's as early as we can get them with the possible and probable loss of Dansby and the back injury to Hayes should relegate him to backup status.We sure ran out of qualified ILB's as the season wore on this year.I'd make sure Gerald Hayes' issues were not disc related before I'd have him try to play another full season too.

McFadden will be expensive to keep as a nickel CB but if the team can afford it then so be it.He is just not starter material for opposing qb's to attack on every play again all season.What a joke he turned out to be for 5 Million dollars.

 

[overseascardfan]

The Texans gave Antonio Smith $15 million last year. If the Cards can't afford Dansby no way they can compete with the Texans for Ryans.

It's not like the Cardinals can't afford Dansby, its just they do not feel that he is worth what he is looking for that was the same reason we lost Smith and Pace the year before. Arizona paid Dansby $9M this year, there is no one (even HOU) that will give Ryans that much.

 

[overseascardfan]

Like a lot of your thinking, but I wouldn't pass on a LB (inside or outside) for a centre in the second round, given that Coach Whiz raves about Sendlein.

In my scenario we get 4 LB's, I guess we could go with a QB in Round #2, but who will be there and worthy of being a 2nd rounder?

 

[Crazy Canuck]

In my scenario we get 4 LB's, I guess we could go with a QB in Round #2, but who will be there and worthy of being a 2nd rounder?

Well, in my view... we select best player available apart from QB, RB and WO in the first three rounds. OT / NT / LB / CB / TE in no particular order.

These first 3 or 4 picks, I expect to contribute and perhaps 1 or more get into the starting lineup by mid-season.

I think the chances of selecting QB (a project) before the 4th round are slim and none.

Whether some like it or not, Matt L... will be getting his opportunity if Warner hangs it up.

 

[Duckjake]

It's not like the Cardinals can't afford Dansby, its just they do not feel that he is worth what he is looking for that was the same reason we lost Smith and Pace the year before. Arizona paid Dansby $9M this year, there is no one (even HOU) that will give Ryans that much.

Late first round Rookies get 7-10 million. Some of you guys just don't understand the market.

 

[overseascardfan]

Late first round Rookies get 7-10 million. Some of you guys just don't understand the market.

Are you including bonuses, because Beenie Wells did not make between $7-$10M in base salary this year. With the rookie pay scale looming in 2011 this will be a moot point.

 

[lauraw]

QB Skelton from Fordham....

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Please GOD don't let us waste a pick on either of the Pouncey brothers from the Florida Gators.I'm an old offensive lineman and have watched them both as closely as any NFL scout has ever watched anyone they were gonna pick in the draft.

Neither will succeed in the NFL as a starter in my personal opinion and folks think of all 5 of our offensive lineman Sendlein is the safest of all of them.I don't agree he is as dominant as many are saying but he did improve from last season.It was the unexpected decline from our healthy Reggie Wells that dissapointed our team the most on the offensive line.His pulling and power moves have been horrible.I'm at a loss for what we do to try and help him.It maybe an injury I'm not aware of.

My main point in this post is just to repeat.DON'T TAKE EITHER OF THE POUNCEY BROTHERS as they killed the Gators this year and no one could run behind that pair.Cost the Gators a chance to play Texas for the National title in my personal opinion.

The Gators could not move the ball on the ground at all nor protect Tebow due to the twins.Run from them!!! I've seen more than most on these guys.Sorry to disagree with the poster above who was wanting to draft a center in the second round.We need a COUPLE Stud ILB's as early as we can get them with the possible and probable loss of Dansby and the back injury to Hayes should relegate him to backup status.We sure ran out of qualified ILB's as the season wore on this year.I'd make sure Gerald Hayes' issues were not disc related before I'd have him try to play another full season too.

McFadden will be expensive to keep as a nickel CB but if the team can afford it then so be it.He is just not starter material for opposing qb's to attack on every play again all season.What a joke he turned out to be for 5 Million dollars.

I agree no centers should be taken until very late, if then.If the Cards were going to take a C, last year was the year to do it.
Also, it's rumored that you not just an old lineman but and old OSU lineman. Is that true? If Catfish was right, your predecessor was John Hicks. He was OSU's honorary captian at the Rose Bowl this year. But, more importantly, about 12 years ago, i used to date his daughter .

 

[Treefiddy]

I still don't understand why people think we'll be able to get much value out of Boldin in trades. I thought I was being over optimistic with getting just a 4th or 5th. Oakland only got a 4th rounder for Randy Moss.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

I still don't understand why people think we'll be able to get much value out of Boldin in trades. I thought I was being over optimistic with getting just a 4th or 5th. Oakland only got a 4th rounder for Randy Moss.

Well, unlike Moss at the time of the trade, Q is neither considered finished or a cancer.

 

[Duckjake]

Are you including bonuses, because Beenie Wells did not make between $7-$10M in base salary this year. With the rookie pay scale looming in 2011 this will be a moot point.

Yes I am. Why wouldn't you? A late round rookie costs you $7 million in cash, so what if his "salary" is only $23.56?

We could sign Dansby for a 50 cent salary as long as we gave him enough signing bonus.

 

[overseascardfan]

Yes I am. Why wouldn't you? A late round rookie costs you $7 million in cash, so what if his "salary" is only $23.56?

We could sign Dansby for a 50 cent salary as long as we gave him enough signing bonus.

Back to the point, the Cardinals could afford Dansby they just don't believe he is worth what he is looking for. Pace and Smith were signed to ridiculous deals, NY & HOU overpaid big time. Arizona had replacements so they just let them walk. With no salary cap HOU can't outbid us, it comes down to where Ryans wants to go.

 

[Cards Czar]

QB Skelton from Fordham....

I like your thinking. He would be a great pick in the 5th round.

 

[cardsfanmd]

Back to the point, the Cardinals could afford Dansby they just don't believe he is worth what he is looking for. Pace and Smith were signed to ridiculous deals, NY & HOU overpaid big time. Arizona had replacements so they just let them walk. With no salary cap HOU can't outbid us, it comes down to where Ryans wants to go.

I'm curious as to who this replacement for Pace was?

 

[MoeIsBetter]

I'm curious as to who this replacement for Pace was?

Was supposed to be Cody Brown. We did draft a LB in the second round for a reason last year. Remember 2 years ago Chike Okeafor was supposed to come back from his injury and be a "monster". When neither one of those panned out (yet with Brown) we were stuck with no replacement.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I'm curious as to who this replacement for Pace was?

Supposed to be Travis Laboy. That is exactly why i worry that's how the Cards think they are going to replace Dansby. They are going to try and sign some scrub and plug him in there and the results will be very Laboy-like.

 

[Treefiddy]

Was supposed to be Cody Brown. We did draft a LB in the second round for a reason last year. Remember 2 years ago Chike Okeafor was supposed to come back from his injury and be a "monster". When neither one of those panned out (yet with Brown) we were stuck with no replacement.

Cody Brown was drafted in 2009. We lost Pace to free agency in 2008.