Arizona Cardinals Free Agency: Should Clark Haggans Be Re-Signed?
by Tyler Nickel on Jan 31, 2012 11:00 AM MST
in NFL Offseason/Free Agency
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PrintLately in the free agency series, we have been looking at some of the older veterans, including Vonnie Holliday. 83% of you voted that Holliday is a player that the Arizona Cardinals should look to retain. Not only did he play well in his limited time on the field, but he was a great veteran presence to have in the locker room.
Today, we continue the trend of looking at the veterans by examining outside linebacker Clark Haggans. Haggans just turned 35 years old this past month and he has shown some signs of slowing down on the field. So I'll ask you: should the Cardinals bring back Clark Haggans?
As aforementioned, Haggans is now 35 years old, but he still shows flashes of being the dominant pass rusher that he was while with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since joining the Cardinals as a free agent in 2008, Haggans has collected 14 total sacks.
This past season, Haggans collected 4 sacks, 6 QB hits and 25 pressures according to Pro Football Focus. He played in and started all 16 games and was in on 75% of the total defensive snaps.
The only problem is that PFF graded him negatively in almost every aspect of the game. He struggled getting to the quarterback given the amount of snaps he played. If the ball was handed off to the running back, Haggans was rarely effective in helping out in run defense. I believe his age really showed through this season, as he started off the year with positive grades for the first few games, but really struggled down the stretch.
So, I'll ask again: is Clark Haggans a player that the Cardinals should consider bringing back? He will be an unrestricted free agent in March, meaning that he will be free to sign with any team. Sam Acho is a guaranteed starter at outside linebacker and depending on the draft and free agency, the other starting position might be filled as well. If the Cardinals can manage to bring Haggans back on a cheap deal, I feel that he can be effective as a reserve. Keeping his snap count down will be key. If the Cards can manage to do that, then I believe he is a veteran that is worth retaining.
What do you think? Should the Arizona Cardinals keep Clark Haggans? Vote in the poll and leave your comments below.
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Little closer call here
Haggans could liekly continue to start somewhere in the league so the price may be too high. It really depends what else is out there and who we draft as well.
by Drullin'OverDaCards on Jan 31, 2012 11:34 AM MST reply actions
Depends on who else is there and who we draft.
I agree with those thoughts. Free agency comes prior to the draft so I say sign him for one year but don’t hesitate to bring in competition. Nothing says he ultimately has to make the final 53. His background with the defensive scheme is a major point in his favor which helps ameliorate the issue of age.
Bring him back
Can provide depth and leadership while Schofield, Acho, and hopefully a rookie pass rushing prospect mature.
Follow me on Twitter at @AlexDavidson68
This poll needed the other option
“Yes, but at the right price”. If someone is willing to pay him to be a starter somewhere, let him go. But if we can re-sign him at decent backup money, I think he’s still got some left in the tank for spot duty and providing leadership among what’s bound to be a bunch of very young guys at OLB (Schofield, Acho, and probably a draft pick).
The reason I only add a "yes" and a "no" option
Is because I would prefer that people leave comments to expand on their thoughts, much like what you both have done. So really, you did exactly what I designed the poll to do. Sneaky, huh?
by Tyler Nickel on Jan 31, 2012 3:04 PM MST up reply actions
Tricky bastard
But you’ll find you need no such shenanigans to make me run my mouth…
by CardsFan1976 on Feb 1, 2012 11:19 AM MST up reply actions
Its either a yes or no
I say yes his leadership will be good for our lockerroom and he can still show these young guys some tricks of the trade
Hell yes
He knows the defense. He played well enough for his age to keep around. We don’t have players that can push him out of the rotation currently.. Let Porter go and retain Haggans.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Only at a liquidation price,
Haggans best days were behind him two seasons ago
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
by INSOMAN1ATIC on Jan 31, 2012 2:16 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Yes if he is willing to come back at a lower price
As a backup veteran leader type like Holliday is
Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
Leading the NFL in swagtangibles
bring his old ass back!
He definitely knows the defense & the playcalls so bring him back to mentor acho & MAYBE quan sturdivant. If he’s cheap, let’s do it!
by navajocard on Jan 31, 2012 3:19 PM MST via mobile reply actions
He'll be cheap, that's for sure
I’ll be happy if he comes back and plays maybe 30% of the defensive snaps.
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