Arizona Cardinals Involved In Free Agent Downgrades

by Jess Root on Aug 9, 2011 10:00 AM MDT in NFL Offseason/Free Agency

Typically, teams try to improve through free agency. They are not always successful at it. Pro Football Focus put together a free agent downgrade post in which a few Cardinals and former Cardinals are involved. It deals with when the free agent replacement is not at the same level at the guy he replaces.

Hit the jump for who are the Cardinals and former Cardinals involved.

The first deals with Richard Marshall being a downgrade from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. While it is easy to say it is a downgrade, it is wrong to really think that Marshall was meant to be DRC. Sure, he may have been targeted for starting this year, but trading DRC was every bit about being fine with the guys that were already there, like Patrick Peterson (ok, the hope that PP would be what he could be), Greg Toler and A.J. Jefferson, who happens to be the first-team corner right now.

The two other Cardinals downgrades were actually former Cardinals leaving elsewhere.

The first is Gabe Watson going to the New York Giants to replace Barry Cofield. That makes sense. Watson was not even starting with the Cardinals at the end of 2010. He is a solid football player, but is not top notch.

The other situation was Tim Hightower replacing Clinton Portis. Technically, Hightower was a trade, but he was not technically a free agent pickup. He was acquired via trade. Even while older, Portis is definitely better than Hightower. In fact, Portis was one of the best in pass protection at his position.

Hightower had the reputation for it, but struggled in 2010, as did almost everyone on the Cardinals. However, Mike Shanahan has already described him as a third down back.

Are these players actual downgrades? We will see soon, as football games begin.

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Comments

Overall the roster improved

Trading DRC need Kolb, a huge upgrade at a more important position.
Losing Breaston, netted Stucky,(a downgrade), but also. King and Heap…(huge upgrade) to the overall offensive roster. We also added Colledge, Womak, and a RB, FB, TE &WR in the draft.
On defense we lost DRC but gained an mlb in Bradley. Added depth at DL to replace lost backups & drafted a (potential) star with our 1st pick.

No more night. I have seen the light. Let it shine on bright.
HANG HIM HIGHER!!!

by Cuckoo for Coco Puffs on Aug 9, 2011 10:23 AM MDT via mobile reply actions

Agree with Bradley

From what I’ve seen and heard about camp is that Bradley is going to start and is looking good. If he stays healthy, he could become our best linebacker next season.

by Jesse Reynolds on Aug 9, 2011 12:37 PM MDT up reply actions

Marshall

I think will do really well in Hortons defense. I love DRC and i miss him and would rather have him, but he made too many risks and didnt tackle great. Marshall tackles really well and finishes also finds the ball in open field pretty well, i think its a very slight downgrade, but one worth noting

"Victory belongs to the most Preserving" - Napoleon

by RotB_MattR on Aug 9, 2011 10:49 AM MDT via mobile reply actions

Marshall was a good signing

I just read that he had several other offers on the table but signed here because he thought we could be a competitive, playoff-caliber team. He hopes he plays well enough to stick here. Can’t wait to see what he can do in Cardinal red.

by tw3kr on Aug 9, 2011 5:31 PM MDT up reply actions

Marshall

Picked the Cardinals also because of Ray Horton.

by hadrarius on Aug 9, 2011 5:51 PM MDT up reply actions

Gabe Watson & Tim Hightower

Watson was not even active on game day for most of last season. Unsurprising that he would be considered a downgrade in light of that.

Hightower could have a breakout season this year if the Shanahans give him the chance. If he gets a handle on his fumbling problem he will be good for the Redskins. Better than an aging running back like Portis. Don’t agree with this as a downgrade. You can’t judge the Portis of yesteryear against the Hightower of today with regard to the choice this season.

by hadrarius on Aug 9, 2011 4:05 PM MDT reply actions