The Standoff Between Cardinals' Guard Deuce Lutui And His Tender Offer

He was probably wanting more than what was initially offered, and since then, its been bad decisions and timing. He doesn’t hold any leverage so he may stay out until he absolutely has to sign. Doesn’t make sense, but maybe for him, its a moral victory. We’ve got good depth now, but I’d like to seem him back also.

Does anyone here really believe he left Socal to prove he could do it at the next level? I mean there wasnt any issue of the trojans getting paid to play there by boosters or anything….Give duece the minimum and then once he signs trade him away for a fifth…I read somewhere I believe it was Sando’s blog…Our team is almost all Whiz and Co., with the exception of a few

Deuce was far and away our best linemen last year. He had struggled with the penalties and mistakes the previous years but grew by leaps and bounds last season. He also, if my research is correct, was the lowest paid starting guard last season. He certainly has very little leverage and the timing is HORRIBLE for him because of the CBA but I for one would love to have him here long term. I know that Deuce is dissapointed in seeing his name tossed around as greedy and lazy but we as fans need to realize that these players bodies are their leverage. Both sides are dealing with the business aspect of the league right now and hoepfully this, along with the CBA, gets resolved quickly as a guard combo of Deuce and Fanaca is very formidable for our upgraded running attack.

Brown was better than he’d been in previous seasons and I’m a Sendlein fan, buta ny run chart you see shows that run average and yardage came behind Deuce. (I’m well aware taht this doesn’t tell the whole story of a lineman, just one example)

BIG Leonard was wanting premiere left tackle money when he really was a guard. I’ve heard nothing, either from reports or other, that would insinuate he is asking for too much money. It again boils down to the timing of the CBA and teams not willing to do contracts for RFA’s until a new CBA is done. I’m sure the FO and coaches are frustrated but not understanding to Deuce’s position as well.

At this point he has no leverage whatsoever I and I think he should sign the tender. I don’t see the Cards releasing him as it benefits them nothing. Hopefully, for everything NFL, the CBA gets done and will no longer be an issue but for now I think Deuce is fighting a losing battle. I just understand the reason for his fight.

I hope Lutui can take a leaf out of Dockett’s book. Sign the offer, play your ass off in 2010 and when it comes time for a contract extension he will be rewarded. If he continues to improve upon what he did in 2009 he could very well become the highest paid lineman on the team.
No the situation is not ideal, job security is huge in the NFL (or anywhere for that matter) since they can go down at any moment with an injury. However as mentioned above, he doesn’t have many options. Take the “measly” $1.75 million and contribute to the team Duece. Come on buddy we need ya.
GO CARDINALS!!!