Despite months of rumors stating a trade to bring Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals was as sure as the summers are hot here, after day one of the free agent and trading period, nothing happened. In fact, two moves that did happen regarding quarterbacks were not expected. First Tavaris Jackson agreed to terms with the rival Seattle Seahawks and then Donovan McNabb, long mentioned as a possibility to come to play for the Cardinals, was traded from the Washington Redskins to the Minnesota Vikings.
The Eagles did not make a deal at the start of the say because they were trying to "create a market" to drive up the asking price. So far, that has backfired.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, have insisted that they are looking at several possible guys to play QB. It turns out that they have the upper hand. All four guys -- Kolb, Kyle Orton, Matt Hasselbeck and Marc Bulger -- are still available.
Reportedly, Arizona is offering Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick in 2012 for Kolb. Philly wants DRC and a first rounder.
Since the Seahawks are out of the running after getting Jackson and reportedly on the brink of landing former Cardinal Matt Leinart. As of now, it seemed they were the only other real suitor. No one else is offering what the Cardinals are.
What is going to happen soon is one of two things.
The first would be to walk away. They can always trade for Orton for a lower price. The team likes both QBs, but are higher on Kolb, as they were high on him even when he was drafted. But Orton is definitely on their radar. That would leave Philly with a backup QB who will leave after the season.
The other will be that no one offers anything better and the Cardinals lower the price or, in a best case scenario for Philly, land Kolb for DRC and the second rounder.
In any case, the Cardinals are going to win this battle. Either they give up what they were willing to or they give up les for another quarterback they are targeting.
I imagine we will know by the end of Wednesday what the end will be.