Yesterday we asked whether or not you think the Arizona Cardinals should re-sign free agent outside linebacker, Clark Haggans. 56% of you said yes, but most of you would presumably like to see him in a reserve role as opposed to still playing as a starter at his age. I certainly believe he can make a contribution to the team if he plays a reduced number of snaps.
Today, we take a look at Haggans' one time counterpart, Joey Porter. Porter was brought in before the 2010 season in the hopes that he could add a much needed pass rush to the team. Now, he is on the verge of becoming an unrestricted free agent. So I ask you: should the Cardinals look to bring him back to the desert?
In 2010, Porter was rather ineffective. He was unable to complete the task that he was brought in to do and because of that, he was almost cut from the team before the 2011 season began. He recognized his poor play and took a significant pay cut in order to stay with the team. Unfortunately, his 2011 season was even worse.
Porter only managed to play in six games during the 2011 season before being sidelined with a knee injury. In those six games, his play could be described as below average. He was only able to register one sack, one quarterback hit and two quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
PFF graded him as a -8.2 in pass rushing, the worst of all outside linebackers on the roster. At the age of 34, Porter just looked worn out. He had a difficult time getting by the large offensive tackles and because of that, his impact was severely limited.
At this point, I think the Cardinals should let Joey Porter walk. There are too many young players out there that can have a larger impact in games than Porter can. It's really not about the salary at this point, either. He could take the absolute minimum and I still believe that Cardinals would turn him down. Not only are Porter's days with the Cardinals over, but his time in the NFL may have come to a close as well. I do feel a bit sorry for him, but that is life in this league.
What do you think? Should the Cardinals give Porter another chance? Leave your comments below and vote in the poll.
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