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Okay, lelts just say it right away. The Cardinals got their man, Kevin Kolb is now a Cardinal. And DRC is now an Eagle.
So, lets move on to the links. Mostly relating to the new QB.
Arizona Cardinals News:Cards Finally Get Their Quarterback
In some ways, it feels like Kevin Kolb has been a Cardinal for months, thanks to the speculation that surrounded the quarterback during the absence-of-news, labor-strife-interrupted offseason. Thursday, it became official. The quarterback was finally acquired by the Cards in a trade that sent former Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick to the Eagles in exchange.
Arizona Cardinals acquire quarterback Kevin Kolb
The Kevin Kolb era in Arizona is about to begin. The Cardinals and Eagles agreed to a trade that likely will be officially announced this afternoon, and the Cardinals and Kolb have signed off on terms of a new contract. The Cardinals will send starting cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft choice to Philadelphia. According to ESPN, Kolb agreed to a new contract that's worth $63 million over five years, including $22 million guaranteed.
Arizona Cardinals bet big on untested Kevin Kolb
In any other world, the information is staggering: An employee who has had only a small window of opportunity to prove his worth is rewarded with a $63 million contract, more than a third of it guaranteed. In the NFL, the typical rules of the workforce don't apply. The Cardinals made Kevin Kolb, who has only seven career starts, an extremely rich man Thursday because quarterbacks are one of the most prized commodities in professional sports. A team's chances for a Super Bowl title increase exponentially with the talents of its signal caller.
Arizona Cardinals complete trade for Philadelphia Eagles' Kevin Kolb, sources say - ESPN
The Arizona Cardinals have completed their deal with the Philadelphia Eagles to get quarterback Kevin Kolb, sources told ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton.
Word From the Birds Blog - Reacting to the Kolb deal
After every draft, a slew of draft "grades" come out as people try to analyze what happened. In truth, it’s foolish because there is no way to know at that moment how the class will turn out. In truth, it’s smart, because the draft grades are probably the most read part of draft coverage. But the draft grades were what I was thinking of today (and the last few days) as the Kevin Kolb trade moved to completion and the reality set in of the Cards giving up DRC and a pick. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said the deal will be judged on whether the team wins, and that is true. I take it even further, which I mentioned on Twitter today: Bottom line, if Kolb wins and plays well, in the end, no one will care what was surrendered to get him. If he is a bust, the acquisition would have been attacked regardless of the compensation.
Arizona Cardinals plug holes on their offensive line
The Cardinals bolstered their offensive line on Thursday, agreeing to terms with center Lyle Sendlein and reaching a five-year agreement with former Packers guard Daryn Colledge.
Arizona Cardinals reach agreement with guard Daryn Colledge
The Cardinals filled an immediate need when they came to agreement on contract terms with guard Daryn Colledge, a starter for the last five seasons for the Packers.
Arizona Cardinals have their man, trade for Kevin Kolb - ArizonaSports.com
After 18 weeks of a lockout and too many quarterback rumors to count, the Arizona Cardinals made it official Thursday when they traded Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for quarterback Kevin Kolb. The Cardinals are signing Kolb to a five-year contract extension believed to be worth $63 million, with $20 million being guaranteed.
The Cardinals' big bet on Kevin Kolb - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Coach Ken Whisenhunt has already pulled off the impossible in Arizona, helping the Cardinals go from perennial losers to the Super Bowl. Recent history says his next challenge will be even tougher: coaxing sustained success from a quarterback who entered the NFL as a second-round draft choice. The chart below tells you what you need to know. The Cardinals' long-awaited play for Kevin Kolb is finally becoming a reality, with ESPN's John Clayton saying Arizona will send one-time Pro Bowl cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round choice to Philadelphia.
Trading for Kevin Kolb shows the Arizona Cardinals are better frivolous than cheap - ArizonaSports.com
Guess what? We can't call the Arizona Cardinals cheap anymore. In fact many will say they're being downright frivolous.
Arizona Cardinals players react to Kevin Kolb trade - ArizonaSports.com
According to multiple sources the Arizona Cardinals have completed their trade with the Eagles sending Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick to Phildelphia in exchange for quarterback Kevin Kolb. While you've heard what the media has to say about the trade, what about the Cardinals players? We're tracking what all of them say via Twitter right here.
Coach Whisenhunt: '[Kolb] the best fit' - ArizonaSports.com
Say what you want about Kevin Kolb as a quarterback, but you have to give the Cardinals credit: they identified the player they wanted and did what was necessary to get him. Cardinals Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt, talking about the trade that sent Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick in the 2012 draft to Philadelphia in exchange for Kolb, said the guy they got has what they were looking for in a quarterback.
Cardinals were initially against trading Rodgers-Cromartie for Kolb - ArizonaSports.com
A lot of people were surprised to see the Cardinals trade Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for Kevin Kolb. DRC, after all, was a in the Pro Bowl just two years ago and, while he had a down 2010, was still one of the most talented corners in the league. Well, include the Cardinals in that group too.
Joey Porter: Paid less, still a Cardinal - ArizonaSports.com
Apparently Joey Porter decided remaining a Cardinal was worth taking a pay-cut.
Cardinals persuing Eagles linebacker - ArizonaSports.com
Kevin Kolb for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd round pick in 2012 may seem like an unbalanced trade. Kevin Kolb and Stewart Bradley for the same package? Doesn't sound so bad, does it. Well, that wouldn't exactly be the case, but it could work out that way for Arizona.
Report: Cardinals keeping center Sendlein - ArizonaSports.com
The Cardinals offensive line is beginning to take shape. According to a report, center Lyle Sendlein will return to the Valley.
Cardinals add depth in DE Nick Eason - ArizonaSports.com
The Cardinals added depth along their defensive line Thursday evening, agreeing to a contract with Steelers defensive end Nick Eason.
Cardinals close book on Derek Anderson era - ArizonaSports.com
The Cardinals made a couple of moves Thursday, and while the acquisition of Kevin Kolb may be the most flashy, the release of Derek Anderson is likely just as pleasing to the team's fans. Arizona officially announced Anderson's release, as well as that of linebacker Gerald Hayes. In the Valley for just one year, Anderson was named the starting quarterback after passing Matt Leinart on the depth chart.
Feely says Kolb trade was about Fitzgerald - ArizonaSports.com
Trading for Kevin Kolb not only solves the Cardinals problem at quarterback, but gives them a leg up on the race to try and re-sign star receiver Larry Fitzgearld. At least, that's what kicker Jay Feely thinks.
Word From the Birds Blog - Sendlein comes back, and other adds
This morning came the news G Daryn Colledge agreed to terms. Then came the Kolb trade. Tonight, ESPN said the Cards agreed with Steelers DE Nick Eason, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter said center Lyle Sendlein has agreed to come back. And the Cards are still in on Eagles linebacker Stewart Bradley. (Kent Somers reported that LB Joey Porter, who was in in the morning working out, agreed to restructure his deal, keeping him on the roster). And CB Michael Adams tweeted he was flying to Phoenix "with a smile on my face" so it sounds like he’s coming back as well. Tomorrow at 3 p.m., all these things can be official, so I expect more news then. Probably some rookie announcements. It’s all moving pretty fast.
Twitter trade rumors prompt Dockett to clear the air with coach | ProFootballTalk
Recently, Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett live-tweeted a traffic stop that resulted in police trying to get him to consent to a search of the car. On Thursday, Dockett provided a glimpse into his reaction to rumors that he’s being traded to the Ravens.
azcentral.com blogs - Kent Somers - 2011: A whirlwind of activity
We are in the middle of the NFL's haboob, a blowing, swirling mess of activity that's left everyone bewildered, disoriented and blinded. And it seems certain we'll all probably have a heck of a mess to clean up when it finally ends. After going through the first few days of the "league year" all I can say is, "wow." That's how it's been for me; I can't imagine what it's like for those working on these deals. Days, hours, minutes all run together. Calling, texting, e-mailing. Putting together camp schedules and trying to do all that while asking the league office for help in clarifying rules that were made on the fly. Let's total up what we know the Cardinals have done in the first few days:
Anthony Becht thinks Cardinals need a lot of help - ArizonaSports.com
It appears that not everyone is excited about the possibility of Kevin Kolb joining the Arizona Cardinals. Former Cardinals tight end Anthony Becht recently tweeted that the Cardinals need more help than just a quarterback.
The debate rages on about what Kevin Kolb is really worth - ArizonaSports.com
Thanks to the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles ongoing negotiations everyone has become like the guy looking to buy a new car. They're haggling over exactly what the right price is for Kevin Kolb.
Andre Roberts ready for breakout season - ArizonaSports.com
The Cardinals lost WR Steve Breaston to the Kansas City Chiefs, and their response to his defection may frustrate people. The Cardinals, it would seem, are comfortable with the internal options to replace the former starter, with plans to use Early Doucet and Andre Roberts more. While that may not sound like a good idea, Roberts, in particular, could surprise -- in a good way. According to ESPN, the second-year pro is the 13th-most likely player to have a breakout season.
Dockett playing GM, would like a cornerback - ArizonaSports.com
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie appears to be on his way to Philadelphia, leaving the Cardinals with a hole at the cornerback position. Darnell Dockett has an idea of who should fill it.
Cardinals give up huge bounty to acquire Kolb | ProFootballTalk
After a while, all of the "Kevin Kolb trade is close" reports started to remind us of the reports that said the "labor deal is close." Thankfully, this deal didn't take as long to close.
Kevin Kolb is the next Matt Cassel - ArizonaSports.com
The Arizona Cardinals finally got their guy. After a saga that dragged on for a while and was more predictable than a Lifetime movie, Kevin Kolb is officially an Arizona Cardinal. The new signal caller will reportedly sign a five year contract extension worth $63 million, with $22 million guaranteed. While fans are excited about Kolb's potential, the NFL has seen this before.
FP - Is Kevin Kolb Ready?
I'm not sure even the fans in Arizona realized just how good Kurt Warner was until he was gone. They do now. After a horrible year of quarterback play, the Cardinals just pulled the trigger on Kevin Kolb. Kolb has NFL experience and has played pretty well when healthy. He is a smart guy and a natural leader. You are more impressed with him after you meet him than before. He doesn't have the strongest arm in the NFL, but it is strong enough. Kolb makes quick reads, good decisions, and has a compact release. There is a lot to like. There are also a few concerns:
Kolb-to-Cards is eye-of-beholder deal - NFC East Blog - ESPN
Our long national nightmare is over. Kevin Kolb is a Cardinal in exchange for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round draft pick, according to John Clayton. Clayton also reports that the new contract Kolb will get to play quarterback for the Cardinals is a five-year, $63 million deal that includes more than $22 million in guarantees. And the consensus first reaction seems to be that the Eagles pulled some kind of Jedi mind trick on the Cardinals and fleeced them. Which is fine. This is an NFC East blog, after all, so the perspective is likely to be Eagles-tinted. And Philadelphia did do well, getting the starting cornerback they needed, plus a high pick, in exchange for a backup quarterback who had one year left on his contract. But as is the case with so many things in life, an honest appraisal of this deal depends on your perspective and might not be possible for a number of years.
Colledge's addition and Cards' OL planning - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The Arizona Cardinals are reaching into free agency to patch holes on their offensive line. Daryn Colledge, a starter for each of his five seasons since Green Bay made him a second-round choice in 2006, gives the team needed reinforcement at guard. Alan Faneca's retirement and Deuce Lutui's potential departure in free agency combined with the Cardinals' draft-day tendencies to compel such a move.
The Shutdown Corner Scouting Report: Kevin Kolb - Shutdown Corner - NFL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
After a lot of haggling, the Arizona Cardinals got their man in former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb. The price they paid in trade was very steep — a second-round pick in 2012, cornerback Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, and a $63 million contract with $21 million guaranteed — for a player of Kolb's relative inexperience. He's said to have all the tools to be a franchise quarterback, and he's still learning his craft, but there has to be some concern over the fact that he struggled at times in an offense so well set up for quarterback success. After watching six different Kolb games, here are my conclusions.
Chat wrap: Biting nails over Nnamdi - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Aaron from Phoenix wonders why the Cardinals haven't been more aggressive given how much salary-cap space they have this offseason. He likes adding guard Daryn Colledge, but he questions whether the team can protect Kevin Kolb.
Is Kevin Kolb comparable to Aaron Rodgers? - ArizonaSports.com
Kevin Kolb does not have a Super Bowl ring. He is not replacing a legend in Brett Favre. He does not have a signature touchdown celebration and he is not Aaron Rodgers. What Kevin Kolb does have is seven career starts, the same number Rodgers had prior to signing his six year, $65 million contract with $20 million guaranteed.
azcentral.com blogs - Kent Somers - Answering Kevin Kolb questions
The trade for Kevin Kolb is official, but that won't stop the questions from coming. I've heard many of same ones for several weeks now. And they are legitimate. Let's examine:
Kevin Kolb increases Cardinals playoff odds - ArizonaSports.com
Whether good or bad, sports and gambling are intertwined. Whenever a big move is made by a sporting team, betting odds fluctuate. Accuscore, a sports betting website, has reacted to the Kevin Kolb trade and has adjusted the Cardinals' playoffs odds.
Kolb hits road with rest 2007 QB class - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Keith Hawkins of ESPN Stats & Information passes along this: Ten of the 11 quarterbacks drafted in 2007 have changed teams now that Kevin Kolb is heading to Arizona. This doesn't reflect poorly on Kolb, who has sat behind quarterbacks with multiple Pro Bowls on their resumes, so much as it does on that quarterback class in general.
10 takes on the Kolb trade | ProFootballTalk
As Rosenthal pointed out earlier, I’m fired up about the Cardinals’ decision to give up a 2008 first-round pick (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie) and a 2012 second-round pick for quarterback Kevin Kolb. In the hopes of making my otherwise hopelessly incoherent ramblings more understandable, I’ve organized my thoughts into 10 separate takes.
Kolb, Sendlein deals give Cards push - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Thoughts on the Arizona Cardinals' trade for Kevin Kolb and contract agreement with veteran center Lyle Sendlein (thank you, ESPN's Adam Schefter).
Assessing Alan Branch's addition in Seattle - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The Arizona Cardinals drafted defensive lineman Alan Branch in 2007 when they could have had quarterback Kevin Kolb three picks later. Coincidentally, Branch's career with the Cardinals ended Thursday, the same day Arizona acquired Kolb from Philadelphia.
OK with Lebron James, not Carson Palmer - NFC West Blog - ESPN
The highest-profile kicker in the NFC West enjoys stimulating thought with provocative statements. Jay Feely offered more fodder Thursday on the Doug Gottlieb Show.
Whisenhunt and Graves on Kolb Trade
Video Gallery - azcardinals.com
Arizona Sports News:
Arizona Diamondbacks can't complete sweep, lose to San Diego Padres
Jesus Guzman had two RBIs and rookie Luis Martinez drove in the go-ahead run, leading the San Diego Padres to a 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks on Thursday.
Becky Hammon scores 33, San Antonio Silver Stars top Phoenix Mercury 102-91
Becky Hammon scored 33 points, including a trio of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, to lead the San Antonio Silver Stars to a 102-91 win over the Mercury on Thursday.
NFL News:
Sidney Rice, Seattle Seahawks agree to 5-year, $41M deal, source says - ESPN
The Seattle Seahawks have agree to a five-year, $41 million contract with wide receiver Sidney Rice, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
New Orleans Saints' Reggie Bush agrees to contract with Miami Dolphins, source says - ESPN
The final hurdle to a trade between the Saints and Dolphins was cleared when running back Reggie Bush reached agreement with Miami on a new two-year contract, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Albert Haynesworth of Washington Redskins traded to New England Patriots, sources say - ESPN
The Redskins have traded Albert Haynesworth to the Patriots for a fifth-round pick in 2013, according to league sources.
Cincinnati Bengals deal Chad Ochocinco to New England patriots, source says - ESPN Boston
The New England Patriots has acquired wide receiver Chad Ochocinco after he accepted a restructured three-year contract from the Patriots, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton.
Vince Young released by Tennessee Titans, eyes Philadelphia Eagles - ESPN
What most expected will become official Thursday afternoon when the Tennessee Titans release quarterback Vince Young, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Source: NFL reinstates Plaixco Burress after jail term - ESPN
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress has been reinstated as a player in the NFL by commissioner Roger Goodell, a source said.
Houston Texans, Johnathan Joseph agree on 5-year deal, sources say - ESPN
The Houston Texans have reached agreement with Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Johnathan Joseph on a five-year deal, according to sources.
Michael Crabtree will miss yet another training camp | ProFootballTalk
Three seasons into his NFL career, it looks like Michael Crabtree won’t have a real training camp under his belt. He was a holdout as a rookie. He had a mysterious injury last year. This time around, a foot injury is expected to keep him out the next 4-6 weeks, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
New Chief Steve Breaston: "Coach Haley’s not always a butthole" | ProFootballTalk
Shortly after Steve Breaston agreed to terms with the Chiefs on a five-year contract that reunited him with Kansas City head coach Todd Haley, Breaston gave a radio interview in which he was asked about his relationship with Haley. Breaston’s short description of what kind of guy Haley is may set the standard for damning with faint praise.
Broncos need to make a move on Orton - AFC West Blog - ESPN
It’s getting awkward in Denver. The Broncos clearly want to trade Kyle Orton. What if they can’t? Then what happens? We got a glimpse of that answer Thursday morning. Orton was on the practice field as the Broncos opened training camp and he is working with his teammates. That’s not what anyone wants.
Long Live Albert Haynesworth And The Redskins, The Ultimate Cautionary Tale - SBNation.com
Two years after signing with the Redskins, Albert Haynesworth was reportedly traded to the Patriots on Thursday, and he leaves behind quite the legacy in D.C. He might be the biggest free agent bust of all time.