There are still a couple of days remaining before the current collective bargaining agreement expires, but even so, there are few personnel moves that can be made right now in the NFL. No players can be traded and the only players a team can sign are their own players who are not under contract for next season and those players who are released by their former team. Those players have until March 4 to sign with another team if they desire.
Monday was a day of cutting several notable players. The Bears released Tommie Harris. The Redskins cut Clinton Portis. The Jets let go Damien Woody, Kris Jenkins, Jason Taylor and Vernon Gholsten.
With all this in mind, are there any of these players that the Cardinals should at least look at and sign before the are unable to do so?
Let's take a quick look at a few of these players and how they might fit in here in the desert.
Damien Woody: He is a 33 year old center/guard that started 13 games for Rex Ryan and the Jets. The Cardinals' offensive line had issues and has holes. Alan Faneca might retire. Center Lyle Sendlein and guard Deuce Lutui are both not under contract for 2011. Woody's age may be a factor, but he was part of one of the best offensive lines in the league in 2010.
Clinton Portis: He struggled with injuries last season and only played in five games. However, he still gained over four yards a carry. Tim Hightower and LaRod Stephens-Howling, the coaching staff is satisfied.
Tommie Harris: Harris is a 27-year-old defensive tackle. The Cardinals potentially have depth issues on the defensive line. Bryan Robinson might retire. Both Gabe Watson and Alan Branch are not under contract for 2011. That leaves the team rather thin. How would Harris fit in?
Vernon Gholston: He is young, at 24 years old. He, however, has been a disappointment. He was drafted number six overall in the 2008 draft. He has never started more than three games in a season and only netted 12 tackles last season. He was supposed to be a DE/OLB pass rushing force, but has yet to show that. In fact, he is still seeking his first NFL sack. We know the Cardinals could use some help on their defensive line or linebacking corp.
Were it up to me, I would at least kick the tires for Harris and Woody. I wouldn't touch Portis with a ten-foot pole. Nor would I bother with Gholston, although the Cardinals did fare well with a Jets castoff who disappointed in Rex Ryan's system (Kerry Rhodes).
Would you take a look at any of these guys? Have at it...that's what we are here for.