Who is expiring?
Posted by on March 3, 2011 – 2:53 pmRegardless of the status of the CBA, the Cardinals have a chunk of players whose contracts will expire whenever the league year ends. What that means for free agency is uncertain because the CBA will address those rules. But as an FYI, here is a list of the current Cardinals who will have their contract run out this offseason. If a player has an asterisk, he has at least four accrued seasons in the NFL:
- FB Nehemiah Broughton
- RB Tim Hightower
- FB Reagan Maui’a
- RB Jason Wright*
- WR Max Komar
- WR Steve Breaston*
- WR Early Doucet
- TE Ben Patrick
- TE Stephen Spach
- T D’Anthony Batiste
- C Ben Claxton
- G Alan Faneca*
- T Brandon Keith
- G Deuce Lutui*
- C Lyle Sendlein*
- DL Alan Branch*
- DL Keilen Dykes
- DE Kenny Iwebema
- DL Bryan Robinson*
- DT Gabe Watson*
- LB Curtis Gatewood
- LB Cyril Obiozor
- LB Reggie Walker
- S Hamza Abdullah
- CB Michael Adams
- CB Trumaine McBride
- S Matt Ware*
- P Ben Graham*
Tags: Alan Branch, Alan Faneca, Ben Claxton, Ben Graham, Ben Patrick, Brandon Keith, Bryan Robinson, Curtis Gatewood, Cyril Obiozor, D'Anthony Batiste, Deuce Lutui, Early Doucet, free agency, Gabe Watson, Hamza Abdullah, Jason Wright, Keilen Dykes, Kenny Iwebema, Lyle Sendlein, Matt Ware, Max Komar, Michael Adams, Nehemiah Broughton, Reagan Maui'a, Reggie Walker, Stephen Spach, Steve Breaston, Tim Hightower, Trumaine McBride
Posted in Blog | 61 Comments »
By Jesse Robles on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Tell all of your Owners of the Businesses you work for to “SPREAD THE WEALTH to the employees,” Tell OBAMA to “SPREAD THE WEALTH to the poor,” it doesn’t happen like that. It looks totally different in the NFL
By KyCardsfan on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Wow! a lot of big names….do u think we will get a lot of them back after the CBA gets figured out?
By JOHN on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Darren,
Is there any outside free agents the Cardinals want to sign/
By D on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Doesn’t exactly make me want to hurry up and pay my season ticket bill
I smell blackouts in glendale next year…
By KEVIN KOLB on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease let me play for you!!!!!
i wont let you down!!!!!!
By Brandon LA on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Soooooo a lot of cardinals are on this FA list.
If you had to give a %, what % of these players have a chance to return safely back to the Cardinals?
By Darren Urban on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
KyCards —
RE: Coming back
I just don’t know.
By Darren Urban on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
John —
RE: Other FAs
I do think they probably have their eye on a few guys.
By Darren Urban on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Brandon LA —
RE: Percentage
That’s all going to depend on when the CBA is figured out and what other players the Cards want to chase.
By MattAZ on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
My definite keepers:
Hightower
Breaston
Lutui
Sendlein
Adams
Patrick (first ever cards td in a superbowl!)
By former AZ.resident on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Looks like the cards might trade down to get more picks.
By Pheenic Cromartie on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Top three priorities:
-Steve Breaston
-Tim Hightower
-Ben Graham
By D on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
MattAZ
I would add Branch and Keith to your list
By brad oneill on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
if they really want to get attention they should lay the cheerleaders off.
hell they dont pay them anything anyway and its really easy to be sympathetic to hot girls.
if they do lay them off, as a fan i volunteer to adopt them.
By ross on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Hightower
By Dave on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
MattAZ are you serious?! Patrick?! That cat can’t block for his life and he is the most inconsistent TE.
Darren,
Spach should make it back, no? He had a notably killer camp as reported by Whiz and yourself and he didn’t disappoint during the season. He may not be Tony Gonzalez but the guy works hard and gets his job done. Thoughts?
By Dave on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
PS. Spach has been in the league for more than 4 years
By Darren Urban on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Dave —
RE: Spach
I’d put Spach’s chances at returning ahead of Patrick. Big picture, he’ll probably continue to be a bubble guy battling whomever they bring in.
By Rich on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
the Jets just cut a great blocking TE that Whiz should love. We should pick that guy up and draft a TE that can catch – work those guys in with Dray and Spach and see what shakes out.
By Brad Wheeler on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
BEN GRAHAM NOT SIGNED! WHAT THE? HE IS CLEARLY IN THE TOP 3 FOR PUNTERS IN THE NFL, IF RAY HORTON’S D IS GONNA BE ANY GOOD WE NEED GRAHAM TO KEEP THE FIELD LONG FOR THE OPPOSITION! WHIZ WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?
By Mike Ellingboe on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
For those who don’t think that Rod Graves does enough to do try dealing with that list, the draft/combine/pro days, dealing with an unknown CBA/scouting potential free agents, etc.
Pretty big dose of reality for all you aspiring GM’s…
By COLE33 on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
YOU KNOW THE CARDS NOW R TO KEEP ….. IT WAS NOONE FAULT THIS SEASON JUST NEED TO CLICK TOGETHER THATS IT SRRY ANDERSON UR DISSAPOINTING BUT NICE TRY AND CARDS GOING IN 2011 2012 SEASON LOKKING TO KILL LETS GO CARDS YAAAAAAAAAA
By AZLOGAN05 on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Darren,
Out of that list who is the guy at the top of the list for the Cards to resign?
Personally I’d say HighT for sure.
By 85301fan on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Doesn’t look good look’s like back to the good old days lol. This cba is going to srew us wow
By Aaron on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
NOT BEN GRAHAM!!!
By Scharf on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Darren,
Do you see the Cardinals bringing back most of these players? I know it’s a little vague right now with the current contract situation, but I can’t see trying to continue without at least 75% of these players.
Thanks as always Darren.
By Darren Urban on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
AZLOGAN, Scharf —
RE: Keeping players
The guys without the asterisks are the RFAs and I’d think many have a chance to be back, at least to fight to make the team. Hightower isn’t going anywhere. It’s the guys who end up unrestricted that will be a much bigger question mark, because it is clear they are going to be available on the open market.
By R Robles on Mar 3, 2011 | Reply
Why are we taking so damn long to sign our players? what the hell
By MattAZ on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Interesting that no one’s shouting for Doucet. Another 3rd round bust since the dockett steal of ’04?
By Mike F aka Sec117 Row8 on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Darren,
If you can answer….Why are “all” the other NFL teams making moves and signing recently released players and giving extensions while the Cards are doing none of this? Is it just the Bidwells being the Bidwells? And I don’t wanna hear that successful franchises don’t just jump into signing players please. The Cards franchise is far from knowing what exactly a successful franchise is. The SB champs are (GB) and last year’s as well (Saints). Thanks Darren.
P.S. I think I know who signs your checks, so a politically correct answer or no answer is NOT wanted but understood. Thanks.
By Mike F aka Sec117 Row8 on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Mike E-
It’s called a GM’s Job! If he can’t handle the heat then get OUT the kitchen. Every GM is doing the same thing and still making moves. No excuses! I am sure it is plastered all over the walls of the Cards facilities and the front office should adhere to it as well “No Excuses”! Jus Saying!
By BigRedFan on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Ben Graham is the best punter in the NFL… would hate to see him go.
VERY rarely can a punter be viewed as an offensive weapon, but this guy certainly is.
By DONOVAN McNABB on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
KEVIN KOLB –
Not if I get there first. Darren Urban keeps trying to tell people that I am the best fit for the team, but no one will listen!!!!
By K-DUB on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Doucet is a bust, keep Komar. You’ve already lost Lance Long. You just know Haley is waiting for Breaston to hit the open market, so lock him down.
By SteveDCO on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
On Ben Graham –
It has been discussed a few places that Graham might not be back in AZ due to his inability to flip the field. He is a great punter for getting in locked inside the 20 but he can’t drive the ball to make big changes in field position.
On Caps Lock –
Writing in caps is considered YELLING. No one wants to read a CAPS LOCK blog. Please show some restraint ands pull CAPS LOCK off your computer.
On CBA –
Looks like a new CBA might be happening sonner rather than later. This would be huge for the Cards but really the entire NFC West. We have to have a normal FA period along with a CBA at the draft if we want to pick up Kolb or Palmer.
By former AZ.resident on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Darren do you think that the cards will draft the players they can get first before they resign the ones above that are on the list.
By Darren Urban on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Mike F —
RE: Not signing
As far as I know, they haven’t had much/any interest in the players currently being released. Those guys have warts — that’s why they are released — and whatever they bring to the table isn’t what they are looking for apparently.
As far as their own players, I won’t lie — I thought for a long time they would have extended at least one or two guys. But there are more than a few teams around the league that seem to have taken the stance they won’t do any new contracts until the new CBA is resolved and it’s pretty clear by now the Cards are one of those teams.
By Darren Urban on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
SteveDCO —
RE: Your points
1) That.
2) That.
3) That (at least the part that a “normal” offseason means a lot for the Cards and the whole division. Not sure yet I am willing to say the new CBA will be sooner rather than later).
By Darren Urban on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
former Az —
RE: Draft before re-signing
Depends on the new CBA, because they may not have a choice with an extended work stoppage. As of now, no one can sign any new deals until the CBA is resolved.
By Big Red Fan on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Anxious to see how things go with Hightower and Wright as well. Both Quality guys.
By Big Red Fan on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
On a selfish note . . . would love to see the Cards somehow end up drafting ANDY DALTON!!!!
Kid from my hometown of Katy TX, and has the high-character personality of Kurt Warner. Great kid. Great arm.
Dear Mr. Graves . . .would love to see us get him if he is still there in round two!!!
http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/03/02/11/Dalton-could-be-draft-surprise/landing.html?blockID=431507&feedID=3742
By Mike Ellingboe on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
@MikeF,
I have no doubt Graves can handle it, but the self-professed experts who think his job is so easy wouldn’t last a day at it.
By drummer-1 on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
@MIKE F aka
Do you want us to sign players even if they don’t fit the system, just because other teams are doing it? the same thing people was saying about hiring a DC at the time.. when they are ready to sign players they will..
By JOHN on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Darren,
I know it’s too late but do you think the cardinals should have gone after Shockey?
By D on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
NFC West as we sit here today:
Rams have the edge with franchise QB, even though they have a new Off Cord. They pick up a WR and fill a few holes they should be around 8-9 wins.
Right now, SF has a new coaching staff and have not decided on a QB-not good
AZ and Seattle has big questions at QB and many other spots, not looking good now, but a good draft by both should push both teams to 500.
All could and should improve if a new CBA get’s completed by draft-if it doesn’t, then like last year, it’s a crapshoot.
By Bill L on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Without a QB, they can ALL be FAs. So, some QB talk. I read a not too old Adam Schefter piece that says Fitz has put in his request for a QB……..Kolb #1, and Bulger as a second thought. I read that SF would like Palmer, but according to NFL Network, Cinn mgmt will let him retire without trading him, just on the principle of the matter. It starts to look like SF will end up in a Bidding war for Kolb with the Cards. If the Cards lose Kolb they could also lose Fitz….if SF gets Kolb, they would again be the odds on Favorite to win the NFC West……….Let the Bidding Begin……..a Train Wreck v. a Title.
By Darren Urban on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
John —
RE: Shockey
Personally, no. Not sure what he has left in the tank and not sure if it’s worth it.
By JOHN on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
thanks darren.
By CrazyLady25 on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
We have Rod “the turtle” Graves handling contract negotiations.
By Mike F on Mar 4, 2011 | Reply
Darren,
Where is the like button for the comments?
Anyways, LIKE LIKE LIKE CrazyLady25’s Comment! LOL
By Cam Newton on Mar 5, 2011 | Reply
It would be an honor for me to play in Arizona! I would love to throw the ball to Larry and I can create some time for myself out of the pocket when levi gets roasted around the corner! Lots of hot girls and nice weather out in AZ. I can’t wait to be a Cardinal I will not let you guys down!
By Az sportstrucker on Mar 5, 2011 | Reply
I don’t get all these calls for Kolb or we lose I don’t see Kolb as a fit in Az system he is a west coast offense QB like Mcnabb who doesn’t firt our system. I don’t know the answer but think Skelton needs more time and we should look for a vet maybe draft qb 3rd round to compete with skelton. What are hyour thought on Kolb will he fit our system Darren
By Darren Urban on Mar 6, 2011 | Reply
Az sportstrucker —
RE: Kolb fit
That I do not know.
By TBru on Mar 6, 2011 | Reply
I don’t know know why any teams would be signing players before knowing what the rules/budget are. Well I guess in NFLnomics you can always turn around and release a recent signee.
as for why aren’t we signing our own, as I recall we had a bad season and changes were guaranteed. For every guy we loose, it is a roster spot to sign someone else. We still go into next season with 53 NFL caliber players. For every Antrel Rolle you loose, you gain a Kerry Rhodes For every Karlos Dansby you loose you gain a Paris Lennon. I hope we can keep Hightower, Graham, & Breaston but really is their anyone else on that list we can’t easily replace in the draft or via free agency? I personally favor letting all of the OL guys on the list walk and starting over.
By Mike F aka Sec117 Row8 on Mar 6, 2011 | Reply
WOW, did u just relate Paris Lennon to Dansby? Dansby is on a WAY higher level then Paris. I still believe you were just joking around with that one. Lennon has been a traveling LB who had a career year last yr, Dansby just got one of the largest contracts for an LB.
We would be VERY VERY lucky to get the same or higher production from Paris next year. & a lot of the Defensive problems were because we lost a PLAYMAKER in Dansby. Paris was a solid player last year but not a game-changer or playmaker.
I like Paris but he is NO Dansby.
By Dan on Mar 7, 2011 | Reply
Darren, with the disaster at Qb from last season, wouldin’t it make sense that the Cards draft a Qb like Blaine Gabbert at the #5 pick? WIth the FA period unclear and neither Skelton or Hall looking like the answer for this coming season it would seem that our #1 need is at Qb and if the top guy is available we should get him. DId the Cards even talk to this Kid or any of the Qb at the Combine? Do they know what they are doing? Time to lock in our own Franchise Qb like the Rams did or we will be behind the other teams in our Division. Do you agree?
By Darren Urban on Mar 7, 2011 | Reply
Dan —
RE: Gabbert
What if they don’t think Gabbert is the answer? Just because a player is considered by the pundits as the best QB in the draft does not necessarily equal that he can succeed in the NFL.
By Eazy E on Mar 7, 2011 | Reply
Gabbert is not the answer, Cam or nothing!
By Eazy E on Mar 7, 2011 | Reply
Gabbert alright but I don’t buy that he’s better than Cam, he came out of a spread too if you wanna nitpick Cam and don’t even compare numbers and winning.
By TBru on Mar 7, 2011 | Reply
Karlos Dansby #58 LB
2010 STATS
TACK 95 FF 2 INT 0
Paris Lenon #51 LB
2010 STATS
TACK 125 FF 1 INT 2
better production, for less money. Money that can be spend on other positions. Yea I think we did all right on that one. You win some and you loose some. My point is their was nothing spectacular about last years team that we have to have a sentimental attachment to mediocre players. We will keep some, and we will lose some. But we shouldn’t think that loosing free agents mean we will be signing dudes from Scottsdale Community College to replace them. their are roughly 1700 NFL jobs, they will go to nfl players, some will retire and young guys will come in to replace them but everyone that wears the shield on their uniform has earned that spot. If not some else will take it away. Dockett and Wilson were priorities, Fitz is the next priority, if we tried to keep every guy who ever wore a bird on his helmet, we would have a couple thousand people on the roster. Right now we just have to be better than Seattle and the Rams. If someone wants to go to the Dolphins and play behind Pittsburgh, New England and the Jets good for them. Free agency is part of the game.
By Mike F aka Sec117 Row8 on Mar 8, 2011 | Reply
Come on Bro, Read my comment. Lenon had a CAREER year! He has been on 5 teams in 6 years. He is NO Dansby and we would be lucky to get him to continue to increase his numbers. Don’t forget we were very low on LBs last season and he probably got a lot more playing time then he would’ve had we been healthy all season. Look at their career number. Dansby kills him. Again, I like Lenon but He isn’t a Dansby! Also, some stats don’t show up! Like interceptions or forced fumbles or fumble recovers that WIN a game. Hmm I tend to remember Dansby doing that a lot for us and once or twice last yr for the Phins