Obvious tank job

[Harry]

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Simon was a reach and I labeled him the weakest of that season’s draft choices. He’s a decent pass defender, especially in zone, but otherwise a weak player. He’s hustles, but that’s not a substitute for skill.

 

[Harry]

I’m very concerned and I think the Cards have decided it’s bite the bullet time, Murray-wise. I’ve run every Murray scenario of which I can conceive. It so destroys their cap position, I can see no way to field a competitive team next season. In fact an improved team is improbable. They’re going to have to cut ties with several veteran players and if they sign free agents, they will be cheap ones. They’ll try to do some restructuring, but there’s not many available. They’re going to end with a top 10 draft pick, but only a RT makes sense if they stay put at that fixed contract cost. I’m concerned they may trade down just to try to stretch dollars. This has me remembering the Suggs trade. They’ll likely grab a QB developmental guy later and have to start Brissett for the season. Save those season ticket dollars unless you enjoy crying. I like Ossenfort, but he’ll be just another GM hamstrung by terrible Bidwill decisions.

 

[ajcardfan]

I'll give you two drafts. So far Nolen and Johnson seem to be good picks. Especially when you throw in Simon and Burke being okay as well. Time will tell though.

I loved the Nolen pick. Loved Will Johnson pick and the Hayden Conner pick. Hated the Johnson trade although he is a good player.

As much as I like Nolen and Johnson we already have to wonder about their health going forward. Typical Cardinals luck that Nolen hurts his knee scoring a freaking TD.

 

[kerouac9]

Man, if everyone would just get ready for the inevitability of cutting KM, this board would be so much more peaceful. I'd hold plenty against MO for some questionable judgement thus far in FA and his drafting seems to flip between good and bad, based on who's out week to week (which means the reality is probably closer to bad than good), but I will not count having to capitulate and dump Murray for squat as a fault of his. That Murray extension was a total albatross. I can't imagine being an FO guy and wanting to agree to/offering those terms. Then MB rolled in and poo'ed the bed with the extensions for KK and SK, the guy who agreed to that contract at best, and came up with it on his own at worst.

Honestly, I hate to say this because I know literally everyone I think highly of on this board in terms of football opinions will disagree with me, but there doesn't seem to be much chance that ANYONE could have gotten us to where we expected to be by this time. Saying all the previous stuff out loud? what a debacle. Add in JG not living up to expectations, an OC who seems to be scheming from advice received from the OC's of seasons past, and a DC who took a major step back this season, and well... we're toast. Again.

I think the Murray contract is the cost of doing business today. Maybe not; Tua’s deal isn’t that crazy.

I’m very concerned and I think the Cards have decided it’s bite the bullet time, Murray-wise. I’ve run every Murray scenario of which I can conceive. It so destroys their cap position, I can see no way to field a competitive team next season. In fact an improved team is improbable. They’re going to have to cut ties with several veteran players and if they sign free agents, they will be cheap ones. They’ll try to do some restructuring, but there’s not many available. They’re going to end with a top 10 draft pick, but only a RT makes sense if they stay put at that fixed contract cost. I’m concerned they may trade down just to try to stretch dollars. This has me remembering the Suggs trade. They’ll likely grab a QB developmental guy later and have to start Brissett for the season. Save those season ticket dollars unless you enjoy crying. I like Ossenfort, but he’ll be just another GM hamstrung by terrible Bidwill decisions.

If we cut Kyler the cap impact above the status quo isn’t great. We’re only accelerating like $5 million into 2026. Everything else is already accounted for. It’s just that Kyler has to be actually paid to not play that will be the stumbling block.

 

[slanidrac16]

I’m very concerned and I think the Cards have decided it’s bite the bullet time, Murray-wise. I’ve run every Murray scenario of which I can conceive. It so destroys their cap position, I can see no way to field a competitive team next season. In fact an improved team is improbable. They’re going to have to cut ties with several veteran players and if they sign free agents, they will be cheap ones. They’ll try to do some restructuring, but there’s not many available. They’re going to end with a top 10 draft pick, but only a RT makes sense if they stay put at that fixed contract cost. I’m concerned they may trade down just to try to stretch dollars. This has me remembering the Suggs trade. They’ll likely grab a QB developmental guy later and have to start Brissett for the season. Save those season ticket dollars unless you enjoy crying. I like Ossenfort, but he’ll be just another GM hamstrung by terrible Bidwill decisions.

Harry, is there a Jaxon Dart type sleeper in this draft?

 

[Cheesebeef]

I'll give you two drafts. So far Nolen and Johnson seem to be good picks. Especially when you throw in Simon and Burke being okay as well. Time will tell though.

Johnson can’t stay healthy, which was the knock on him on the draft, has been so far in the league and hasn’t looked good in the second half of the season. Can’t give kudos for that draft pick, IMO. Simon and Burke have been zero’s on the field so far.

So we’re looking at him possibly hitting on Nolen… who unfortunately can’t stay on the field. At best the jury is out on this draft and the other drafts are pretty disastrous, especially considering how many picks we had in his second draft.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Johnson can’t stay healthy, which was the knock on him on the draft, has been so far in the league and hasn’t looked good in the second half of the season. Can’t give kudos for that draft pick, IMO. Simon and Burke have been zero’s on the field so far.

So we’re looking at him possibly hitting on Nolen… who unfortunately can’t stay on the field. At best the jury is out on this draft and the other drafts are pretty disastrous, especially considering how many picks we had in his second draft.

I disagree with you on Burke and Simon being zeros. They are starting as rookies as 4th/5th round picks. They haven't been liabilities as well.

Johnson got injured on a dirty ass play. It is also not like Johnson's injury was his injury concern in college. Also, I wouldn't call Nolen's hit dirty since it was a potential TD saving tackle, but it was very low as well.

Seems we disagree here, but it isn't big deal either way.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Walter Nolen has played in four games. Will Johnson just had his worst game. Cody Simon is the center of a defense that’s give up 40 points or more three times in the past four weeks.

These are amazing takes honestly.

There's a LOT more wrong with the team than the rookies that are playing right now. They aren't the reason we have been giving up this many points

I find your take disingenious as usual when it doesn't support whatever point you are making.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I disagree with you on Burke and Simon being zeros. They are starting as rookies as 4th/5th round picks.

They are starting purely because of injuries and the defense has been noticeably MUCH worse since.

They haven't been liabilities as well.

we're watching different football games. They have both been complete and utter non-entities and the defense has gotten demonstrably worse since they've been on the field.

Johnson got injured on a dirty ass play. It is also not like Johnson's injury was his injury concern in college.

wrong. Johnson had MANY injury concerns in college. He was constantly nicked up with a variety of different injuries and this season, he has again been knicked up with a variety of different injuries.

Also, I wouldn't call Nolen's hit dirty since it was a potential TD saving tackle, but it was very low as well.

Great - what's the difference if the way guys get hurt are dirty are not? They're playing football... legs, knees, backs get hit all the time, whether plays are clean or dirty. So far, those two picks you're talking about making this year's draft a success have shown that for one injury or another (and both have had multiple injuries), they can't stay on the field. Until they both do, the jury is out on this draft as well, unfortunately, IMO.

Seems we disagree here, but it isn't big deal either way.

sadly no. it's just another draft that no matter how you slice it, it hasn't produced much on the field.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

They are starting purely because of injuries and the defense has been noticeably MUCH worse since.

I don't disagree but I don't blame it solely on the rookies as well. Just like I don't consider Jacoby Brisket as some savior because he is leading the league in yardage after our team behind game after game and totally switching up the offensive philosophy.

we're watching different football games. They have both been complete and utter non-entities and the defense has gotten demonstrably worse since they've been on the field.

I'm watching games, but also looking at the season as a whole. Simon forced a fumble against the Cowboys. Not a complete and utter non-entity, even if we want more. Johnson was dominant as a rookie before his injury. So again, not a complete and utter entity, even though he played very bad on Sunday.

Great - what's the difference if the way guys get hurt are dirty are not? They're playing football... legs, knees, backs get hit all the time, whether plays are clean or dirty. So far, those two picks you're talking about making this year's draft a success have shown that for one injury or another (and both have had multiple injuries), they can't stay on the field. Until they both do, the jury is out on this draft as well, unfortunately, IMO.

To some, how or why you get injured matters. To me it sure does. Being injury prone because you don't take care of your body is much different than sprawling out in the end zone after making an amazing play and getting hurt because of it.

I'll be glad to compromise and say the jury is out on this draft. To call it another failed Monti draft is hyperbolic.

 

[Harry]

Harry, is there a Jaxon Dart type sleeper in this draft?

Probably a couple but not much consensus on who they are. Last year you had a QB (Dart) with solid performance and a top QB coach. It’s not as clear this season. If I had to guess today I’d go Nussmeier. He had a solid year in 2024. He suffered a probable oblique injury at the start of the season. He tried to play through it but wasn’t himself. The team understated his injury until late in the season. That injury makes it impossible to play well IMO. Going into the season he was thought to be a likely top 10 pick. Many evaluators still have him ranked 4th. Likely goes in round 2. He’s a big gamble that early, but I have him atop my list now. He does have a substantial bust factor.

 

[vince56]

I’m very concerned and I think the Cards have decided it’s bite the bullet time, Murray-wise. I’ve run every Murray scenario of which I can conceive. It so destroys their cap position, I can see no way to field a competitive team next season. In fact an improved team is improbable. They’re going to have to cut ties with several veteran players and if they sign free agents, they will be cheap ones. They’ll try to do some restructuring, but there’s not many available. They’re going to end with a top 10 draft pick, but only a RT makes sense if they stay put at that fixed contract cost. I’m concerned they may trade down just to try to stretch dollars. This has me remembering the Suggs trade. They’ll likely grab a QB developmental guy later and have to start Brissett for the season. Save those season ticket dollars unless you enjoy crying. I like Ossenfort, but he’ll be just another GM hamstrung by terrible Bidwill decisions.

My understanding, McGinnis was hell-bent on getting 2 first round picks and Graves obliged. But at least we made up for it in round 2 100% with one of my favorite Cards of all time in Boldin.

 

[slanidrac16]

Probably a couple but not much consensus on who they are. Last year you had a QB (Dart) with solid performance and a top QB coach. It’s not as clear this season. If I had to guess today I’d go Nussmeier. He had a solid year in 2024. He suffered a probable oblique injury at the start of the season. He tried to play through it but wasn’t himself. The team understated his injury until late in the season. That injury makes it impossible to play well IMO. Going into the season he was thought to be a likely top 10 pick. Many evaluators still have him ranked 4th. Likely goes in round 2. He’s a big gamble that early, but I have him atop my list now. He does have a substantial bust factor.

So would you support a tackle with our first pick and Nussmeier in the second.
Brissett would remain our starter until if or when the season south and then insert the youngster?

 

[NWMike]

I’m very concerned and I think the Cards have decided it’s bite the bullet time, Murray-wise. I’ve run every Murray scenario of which I can conceive. It so destroys their cap position, I can see no way to field a competitive team next season. In fact an improved team is improbable. They’re going to have to cut ties with several veteran players and if they sign free agents, they will be cheap ones. They’ll try to do some restructuring, but there’s not many available. They’re going to end with a top 10 draft pick, but only a RT makes sense if they stay put at that fixed contract cost. I’m concerned they may trade down just to try to stretch dollars. This has me remembering the Suggs trade. They’ll likely grab a QB developmental guy later and have to start Brissett for the season. Save those season ticket dollars unless you enjoy crying. I like Ossenfort, but he’ll be just another GM hamstrung by terrible Bidwill decisions.

I don’t think this hamstrings the Cards. They currently have $31M in cap space for next year according to OTC. That already includes Kyler. Cutting him pre Jun 1 incurs another $1.4M which still leaves us with $30M. We have 51 players under contract and no free agents I would say are critical. Maybe Calais? Williams, Hernadez, Beachum are all up but we need to upgrade anyway. I think you have enough for 1-2 mid tier FA and that’s before you look at other cuts (Connor?) or restructures. If you end up with a rookie qb this is doable.

A reminder as well we play the afc west and nfc east next year so we’re prob looking at another down year no matter what. Try to restock a little than in 2027 the $50M of Kylers cap comes off the books.

 

[Stout]

My understanding, McGinnis was hell-bent on getting 2 first round picks and Graves obliged. But at least we made up for it in round 2 100% with one of my favorite Cards of all time in Boldin.

And we were lucky to snag Boldin, because as part of that abominable trade, we traded BACK in the 2nd round AND gave up our 4th-rounder.

 

[Harry]

I don’t think this hamstrings the Cards. They currently have $31M in cap space for next year according to OTC. That already includes Kyler. Cutting him pre Jun 1 incurs another $1.4M which still leaves us with $30M. We have 51 players under contract and no free agents I would say are critical. Maybe Calais? Williams, Hernadez, Beachum are all up but we need to upgrade anyway. I think you have enough for 1-2 mid tier FA and that’s before you look at other cuts (Connor?) or restructures. If you end up with a rookie qb this is doable.

A reminder as well we play the afc west and nfc east next year so we’re prob looking at another down year no matter what. Try to restock a little than in 2027 the $50M of Kylers cap comes off the books.

Half of that $30 million goes to the draft. Maybe more due to QB issue. Want a major FA there goes the rest. There will be some relief from a likely league cap increase.

 

[kerouac9]

Half of that $30 million goes to the draft. Maybe more due to QB issue. Want a major FA there goes the rest. There will be some relief from a likely league cap increase.

Cards have $23 million in 2026 cap space right now accounting for the rookie class.

 

[Mulli]

People of Earth: please stop with the “a successful NFL roster is too expensive for the Bidwills” takes.

Every year many other NFL franchises make the money work.

 

[NWMike]

Half of that $30 million goes to the draft. Maybe more due to QB issue. Want a major FA there goes the rest. There will be some relief from a likely league cap increase.

I get it. It won't be easy but its doable. Remember the Broncos ate $80M by releasing Russell Wilson. A few things to look at for cap room:

1. Justin Jones has a cap number of $12M and we would save $8.8M by releasing him outright
2. Budda has a cap number of 19M. Releasing him would create more dead money but save $5.3M. Maybe restructure?
3. Bilal Nichols has a cap number of $8M. Save $6M by releasing him
4. Connor has a cap number of $10M. If he isn't ready you can save $8M by releasing him.
5. PJJ is a free agent in 2027. Sign him now and make it more cap friendly in 2026. He counts $7.6 in 2026.

As others have repeatedly noted the salary cap can be manipulated if you have an owner who is willing to be aggressive (which Bidwill typically is not).

 

[Crimson Warrior]

And we were lucky to snag Boldin, because as part of that abominable trade, we traded BACK in the 2nd round AND gave up our 4th-rounder.

If you were starting an NFL football team in 2026...

Would you take 2004 Rod Graves or 2025 Monti Ossenfort to be your initial GM?

 

[602 Native]

“Tanking”

No one is tanking because you have to be good to actually tank.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

“Tanking”

No one is tanking because you have to be good to actually tank.

You do?

 

[602 Native]

If you were starting an NFL football team in 2026...

Would you take 2004 Rod Graves or 2025 Monti Ossenfort to be your initial GM?

Two really bad GMs from the same really bad franchise.

 

[Stout]

If you were starting an NFL football team in 2026...

Would you take 2004 Rod Graves or 2025 Monti Ossenfort to be your initial GM?

Uhhh...can I take a bullet to the head instead?