While the Arizona Cardinals continue to wait out the Philadelphia Eagles in the battle for Kevin Kolb, they have finally lost one of their first free agents. It has been reported by many that Steve Breaston, a former fifth round pick of the Cardinals, will be headed to the Kansas City Chiefs.
In Kansas City, Breaston will be reunited with former Cardinals offensive coordinator and now Chiefs head coach, Todd Haley. With his departure, many wonder what the Arizona Cardinals will do to address the lack of depth (and possibly talent) behind star receiver, Larry Fitzgerald.
The deal that Breaston has signed with Kansas City reportedly includes $9.5 million in guaranteed money. It has not been reported what the full value of the contract will be, but the duration will be five years. All of this was initially broken by Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter. Breaston adds a slot weapon to a young Chiefs team that includes other receivers such as Dwayne Bowe and rookie Jonathan Baldwin.
As far as the Cardinals go, don't expect them to add any big names via free agency. From Kent Somers:
The Cardinals probably will replace Breaston from within. Andre Roberts, a rookie last season, played well in the second half of the season. And coaches remain confident that Early Doucet can produce if he stays healthy.
Somers also noted that Arizona could bring in a veteran free agent, but it is doubtful that it would be a player that would command a lot of money. If the Cardinals do decide to spend some cash to upgrade the position, some possibilities could include Braylon Edwards, Malcolm Floyd and Mike Sims-Walker.
As we are sorry to see Steve Breaston leave, we wish him the best in a new chapter of his career. Let's hope that the Cardinals can not only replace him in terms of talent, but also in terms of hustle and heart.