Can The Arizona Cardinals Fill Anymore Needs Through Free Agency?
by Andrew602 on Mar 8, 2010 4:05 PM MST
in 2010 Offseason
39 comments
Hat tip to JoeCB1991 and hadrarius for fanshot-ing the news that former Browns guard Rex Hadnot, Nick Eason, and Wade Smith will be visiting the Cardinals on Monday.
After the initial rush of free agency passed last Friday, the Cardinals were left standing three players short and helpless. That didn't last for long when they shipped two draft picks to the New York Jets for safety Kerry Rhodes. But considering the Cardinals were going to have plenty of holes to fill before free agency ever took place, acquiring one player wasn't enough.
As we already know, the Cardinals are meeting with linebacker Larry Foote on Monday, and will meet linebacker Joey Porter Thursday. Assuming at least one of them is signed, we'll rule them out of this discussion.
Most of the big names are off the board and in the next few weeks the situational player, the role players, or bench riders will find their new homes. Let's take a look at some of the names still on the open market that the Cardinals should pursue.
Charlie Batch, QB: I'm listing him first because the Cardinals badly need depth at quarterback behind Matt Leinart. Batch has played under Ken Whisenhunt before and his Steeler-roots are hard to pass up. He's a seasoned veteran and has filled in for the Steelerscountless times before. Should he need to fill in for Matty, his experience will provide the Cardinals with solid back up play. Although he's nearing the end of his career, his presence would give the Cardinals 1-2 years to find a young back up for Leinart.
Will Witherspoon, ILB: If the deal with Foote doesn't play through, the Cardinals should make a push for Witherspoon. He played the previous three and a half seasons with the Rams, meaning his production was over-shadowed by the gloomy seasons St. Louis has experienced recently. When he was traded to the Eagles midseason this past year, he was considerably better and played to his full potential. Do you think Matt Leinart would mind playing with the guy that broke his collarbone though?
Rod Hood, CB: Hood is an unrestricted free agent after spending last season with the Titans. It's not irregular for a player to return to his old team, but it is unlikely. Ralph Brown wasn't tendered and we all know how the Bryant McFadden signing has panned out. If the Cardinals were to re-sign Hood, he'd fill a need opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and can start or fill the nickel role if needed.
Jake Delhomme, QB: Okay, I've seen the idea thrown around here a few times lately, which is why I'm bringing it up. Delhomme was unexpectedly released by the Panthers last week, and now leads the free agent market of quarterbacks. Has he been utterly terrible since the Cardinals beat the Panthers during their Super Bowl run? Yes. I won't make any excuses for him but the guy wasn't all that bad before then and he has played in a Super Bowl.
Antwaan Randle El, WR: We all know that Ken Whisenhunt prefers to bring in former Steelers, so why not Randle El? With the departure of Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals are short a wide receiver. Let's not forget the team thankfully didn't tender Jerheme Urban. With Urban gone and Sean Moreyon the market, the Cardinals could actually be in need of a wide out. Randle El fits nicely in the offense given his past under Whisenhunt, and the fact that he's a veteran that can play quarterback as well(another plus for Whiz).
Ma'ake Kemoeatu, NT: Another popular free agent that I've heard lately was Kemoeatu. He was lost to the injured reserve last year so the Cardinals will likely consider his injury-baggage before signing him. When healthy, he's a solid stake in the defense that can play the run and pressure the quarterback. I don't see the team targeting him however, but look out for Damione Lewis - the other defensive tackle that Carolina didn't re-sign.
Keith Bulluck, OLB: If the Cardinals can't reach a deal with Porter, Bulluck could be a possibility to land in the desert. He's still got some gas left in the tank and when healthy, he's still a beast on the defense. His leadership is irreplaceable, and I believe he has the smarts to learn a new system even at his age. The Cardinals would unfortunately have to wait on his injury rehabilitation, something they may not be prepared to do.
In all reality, the Cardinals aren't the team to go out and make a big splash in free agency, so any major signings don't seem likely. Ken Whisenhunt and Rod Graves have continued to express that they'd like to build the franchise through the draft - and rightfully so. There is a possibility however, that the Cardinals will go out and find their typical role players. Do you see the Cardinals signing any of these players? Is there anyone else that we should consider?
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I'd go with Hood or Bullock
I have no idea how Hood wasn’t used by the Titans more.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
What about O-linemen?
Almost every mock draft has the Cards taking an OT with a 1st or 2nd round pick. Is there any FA or RFA that the team could be looking at as a starting OT?
Nice Post
I think the Cardinals should look seriously into QB’s, and Offensive Linemen, like Hadrarius said.
Other than that, I agree with what you’ve said. It looks like we’re becoming the Steelers of the West! That’s not a bad thing though, considering they’ve won the most Superbowl’s in the history of the NFL.
since we lost 2 free agents i think we can sign as many as we lose
The Devil Birds just got cha
by DaCards on Mar 8, 2010 5:48 PM MST via mobile reply actions
antrel rolle doesn't count as a free agent since he was cut
so we can sign one player worth up to dansby’s contract amount and one player for more than $5 million (not 100% sure about that number, but i think that’s how things are working this year)
Call me crazy.
Uhm if the cardinals could, id go for Porter, Foote, and Bullock. My friend is a Titans fan, i see Bullucks game, its nice, and he could fill that leadership role that Dansby had w/ us, But honestly, its an un-capped season. Take advantage and im all for Hood. loved his game, personality, good player, And Foote, Porter, and Bulluck would make a nice veteran LB rotation! :P
"Victory belongs to the most Preserving" - Napoleon
"The teams that do the best job of putting personal agendas aside are the successful teams. It's not easy. That's why it's hard being a good teammate, but everyone has that choice." - Ray Allen
by AiTheLAviTiCuS#21 on Mar 8, 2010 5:57 PM MST reply actions
Witherspoon to fill in when theyre tired? Probably not cheap to get these guys but it’d be worth it.
"Victory belongs to the most Preserving" - Napoleon
"The teams that do the best job of putting personal agendas aside are the successful teams. It's not easy. That's why it's hard being a good teammate, but everyone has that choice." - Ray Allen
by AiTheLAviTiCuS#21 on Mar 8, 2010 6:04 PM MST up reply actions
like the idea of Hood
never quite understood why we released him last year. Sure he was going to make more than a normal nickel corner if that is where they wanted to play him but he really was pretty solid, just had a few balls bounce the wrong way.
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
I like the idea of coverage...
Hood doesn’t. LOL.
by SundayBlitz on Mar 8, 2010 6:54 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Build them a stadium and they will spend
This was a statement that was made many times. We have a bad secondary, and linebackers need help, we have not seen them do much. I would like to see Delhome signed, and in the draft get BYU QB.
Good point
Since the stadium has existed, the Cardinals have been a more competitive team.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Whoa
Nelly! I’m in the Charlotte market and attend Panther games regularly. I saw Delhomme play in the Super Bowl season. I saw him lose to the Cards in spectacular fashion in the playoffs two years ago (GREAT GAME from where I was sitting).
The point, Delhomme was GREAT when he initally took over for Rodney Peete. Had the winning spirit and appeared to have no fear and some of the ‘intangibles’ you want in your QB. Over the last two seasons – 08 and 09 – he has steadily declined. The running game in CAR certainly played a part, but when he ‘had to’ throw he has problems. If he wasn’t throwing to S Smith then there was a good chance it was going to be incomplete…or worse, and INT.
He’s not worth the roster spot, in my opinion, independent of the contract he’d accept. I’d rather see Whitehurst (and give up the 3rd round pick).
A Few Things
First, we have two offensive lineman visiting the Cardinals this week in Rex Hadnot and Wade Smith. Personally, I think we could use one of these guys. However, I think we wait to tender an offer until we find out what is going to happen with Foote and Porter. While we could use the O-Line depth, it is not as high a priority as LB. Either way, either Hadnot or Smith could add something to the line if only depth.
Next, let’s discuss Foote and Porter. Personally, I hope we sign them both. I think we have the opportunity to do so and would like to make that happen. We’d definitely be showing our commitment to upgrading defense after trading for Rhodes and bringing in these guys. If we only get one of them, then I consider Witherspoon. I don’t like the idea of bringing in Bullock. I think that would pan out to be a waste of money. I want to get 2 out of 3, though, between Foote, Porter, and Witherspoon (preferrably the first two).
Rod Hood? That’s more rhetorical than anything. Do you really remember how bad Hood was? He is NOT an upgrade over McFadden! In fact, he could very well be a downgrade. McFadden is usually in decent position but is lacking in a few fundamental areas like turning to see the ball. Still, I think he’s better than Hood and I think Toler could be better than both of them. If we were going to get a CB, we need to go after a good one. Since none are really available, I think we let Toler have the run of the position. If we truly upgrade our LB core and can get to the qb more, then our coverage will benefit and won’t have to cover as long. This makes CB less of a need.
Lastly, I agree we need to bring in a QB. Here’s my problem, I don’t like batch but think Delhomme is a bad idea. I’ve never thought Batch to be a quality qb and would rather him not be the backup. Delhomme, however, will doubtfully be happy as a backup, especially after signing a fat contract with Carolina and then getting released. He’ll probably want to compete for starting job and that’s the last thing we need. We don’t need to make Leinart think we have no faith in him by bringing in a potential starter. Of the two, I think Batch is the better option. He’ll give us the time we need to prep a young QB and, if Leinart goes down, Batch looked “okay” in Pitt so I’ll he may do fine.
Regardless, we need at least one more high profile move in free agency.
P.S. — have we considered Jamal Williams??
Your description of McFadden
Was a spot on description of Hood,… Except I think Hood has MUCH better character & overall may be slightly better than what we saw out of BM last year. In ’09 BM was better
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
by sc464 on Mar 8, 2010 7:02 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Wide receiver???
Just pick up a guy late in the draft.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Mar 8, 2010 7:03 PM MST reply actions
Seneca Wallace was just traded to Cleveland.
Looks like Anderson is headed out the door. Wonder what the Seahawks will be doing about QB now. I don’t see Hasselbeck surviving much longer in the league. Funny that there is so much noise about Leinart when the Cardinals are probably the most set at QB in the division. Even with no one behind him.
They're in trouble if Matt goes down. Wallace was a fairly good back up in Seattle.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
I'd say Matt is the best QB in the division right now
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
by JoeCB1991 on Mar 9, 2010 9:51 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Bulger
I would snap up Bulger in a heartbeat, although he isn’t available quite yet.
That said, Bullock is a helluva player. I don’t care for Joey Porter, but as a player he and Foote could provide solid play, matching or exceeding the play of Okeafor and Dansby for example.
I am thankful we didn’t sign Carr. I love that the 49ers grabbed him. He will never strike the fear into anyone, much like Alex Smith.
http://undrafteds.com/
I most prefer Bulger of the group, as well
Batch won’t work here for the same reason he didn’t work in Pittsburgh anymore — anytime he has to play more than 4 snaps he gets injured. Delhomme… meh. If there’s a question of creating a QB competition, then definitely not. If we’re content to leave him on the sideline no matter if/when Leinart falters, okay.
I always thought Hood was a pretty solid acquisition
Although I don’t mind giving McFadden more time to prove himself. I think he kept his receivers relatively quiet all year until he went all Eric Green in the playoffs.
As mentioned above, we need to improve our pass rush
It’ll be a lot easier to depend on these middle-of-the-pack guys.
by tw3kr on Mar 8, 2010 11:17 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Sucks that Bmac played so poorly in the playoffs
Unfortunately, it’s on the big stage so everyone will critique him.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Derek Anderson?
Since Cleveland is likely releasing Derek Anderson does he not make some sense to consider? He really was not all that bad. And to say that about somebody in the Browns offense instantly means he probably is a hell of a lot better than we’ve seen. He’s young and not had his brains totally knocked in yet (Bulger). Its that or draft somebody and none of the guys going after the second or third round are any better than what we could have got from Tyler Palko. Possible to get Colt McCoy after the first but that would pretty much mean we realllllly dont think leinart is gonna cut it. And, god help me, Tebow could still be around in the third.
The problem with Anderson
Is that he may want to compete for the starting job, something we don’t need with Leinart as the starter.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
If Leinart's ego is that fragile
he is doomed to fail anyway.
by hadrarius on Mar 9, 2010 10:11 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
It could be
He’s already lost his starting job once.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Randle El signed with Pittsburgh yesterday
I’m not sure that Bullock or Witherspoon would have a position in the 3-4. Both have been outside linebackers in the 4-3 for most of their career, although I did read that Witherspoon filled in at ILB several times last year in Philly. That being said if we’re having to choose between the two, I’d take Witherspoon by a mile. He’s younger, healthier and probably a better player at this point in their careers.
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
I think
they should sign at least two of the three LBs to one, maybe two year deals while mixing in the youth of Cody Brown and Will Davis. Porter, although on the tail end of his career, would be a perfect fit for this team. He would give Wilson someone to lean on as mouthpieces for the defense. I also think signing Witherspoon would be an upgrade.
As far as signing a QB, I like Bulger as the backup. Even though he’s one hit short of his 100th concussion, he knows the NFC West and could mentor Matty. If Bulger is unavailable, I would go after Batch. However, i would keep an eye on what SF does after the signing of Carr. maybe Shaun Hill might become available (could you imagine Leinert going down and Hill coming in and beating the 49ers, eliminating their chances at making the playoffs?). That would be hilarious. Unfortunately, I know he’s mediocre at best and should not be sought after. All of the other positions I would build through the draft.
I don’t understand why the Cards traded Q to the Ravens and didnt try to get Todd Heap in return. They’ve needed a good pass catching/run blocking TE forever now. He would’ve fit the bill and is also an ex-ASU alum/fan favorite. I do like the acquisition of Rhodes for only a 4th round pick.
Regardless of whats been done already. I do think the team needs to pick up at least two more veteran players to fill in the roster while they draft depth for the future.
Badgers! Badgers! We don't need no stinkin badgers!
Delhomme, might be a backup QB to everyone, but it might get Leinart anxious anyways. I prefer Batch regardless – he might not be able to win games on his own (why hes a backup) but he definitely won’t lose them for you (Delhomme).
The rest of that list I am “ehn,” I like Porter more then Foote though, only because I think Porter can provide more game changing plays. The Cards really need to sign one of them though, just to give them selves options in the draft and we all know how Wiz likes to make the rooks prove it before they get to play.
I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City
Jamal Williams off the market,.. dang
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/19862/ex-charger-jamal-williams-now-a-bronco
Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with.
Broncs make sense for the guy
Their D-line is nothing but piecemeal as it is. Had to figure he’d go somewhere else pretty quickly, with all the new 3-4 defenses and no word of us showing interest. Still disappointing.
QB signing
The Cards will sign a backup QB soon and who they sign will probably tell you how much confidence they have in Leinart. Here is my reasoning:
If you sign Delhomme, you are signing a veteran QB nearing the end of his career(35 y/o), but he is also a guy whose team(Carolina) won alot more often then they lost as a starter, and is an unquestioned great lockerroom guy. But he also comes with some questions regarding the loss of arm strength due to Tommy John surgery. Coming off the season he had, his age and injury history, he will probably be the type of player who would more readily accept a backup role, and accept the ‘mentor-type’ role to work with Leinart and any rookie we might draft.
If you sign Anderson or Bulger, especially Anderson, you will be signing not so much a backup but competition for the starting QB job. Anderson(26 y/o) had great success his first full year with Cle but fell on hard times as the team collapsed around him. We all remember Bulger’s success early in his career and I could see him as more of a player who feels a new lease on life with a different team could resurrect his career, especially a team like the Cardinals with their many weapons. He would also probably be a better fit to tutor a rookie QB than Anderson because of his vast starting experience and also has the plus of being from within our division, meaning he would know the other teams better than the other two.
Of course, the players would have to WANT to play for us, and we don’t know family situations of who would or would not want to move their families(Chad Pennington) and other considerations that would go into their decision.
To sum it up, if the Cards make a hard push for Anderson, probably means they are very concerned about Leinart. If it is Bulger(when he is released), they probably feel reasonably secure with Leinart, but want someone who can give him a little push. And if they go after Delhomme, they are fully confident that Leinart can do the job and want his backup to be more of a player/coach type than true competition for the starting job.
I prefer Delhomme because I not only have confidence in Leinart’s abilites, but also the fact that he is at the stage of his career that if he doesn’t get it done here and now, he will probably never get another real chance. And the size of his contract next year should be all the motivation he will need. He will never be Warner, but I think he is going to have a great year and what we will lose in certain areas, we will gain in other’s with him.
But I trust Whiz and the coaching staff alot more than I trust my own hunches and have every confidence they will make the right move
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