You're the Cards GM

[Weenus O'Baggins]

When I posted this thread title, I was curious to see if there was any kind of consensus among the GM wannabe's in the Card fan base.

A quick glance over the GM moves indicates that there is pretty much zero agreement . . . on anything. At best, we get two-or-three good with a backup QB, etc.

Let the debates continue. As many who are going to be happy with SK, there will be many more who think he is a doofus.

I don't think he is a doofus. I think he had a two year plan and he got screwed when BA and Carson retired. Now he has to pick up the pieces.

 

[Arz101]

I.Would.Sign.A.FullBack.Instead.Of.A.QB

 

[dreamcastrocks]

1. Sign McCown.

2. Draft QB at #15. Start him immediately. Let’s not waste everybody’s time.

3. Go all in for OL in FA.

4. Go CB, WR, ILB, DE, & S in the draft. Let Branch walk.

5. Sign RB.

You lost me at 1.

 

[Gandhi]

Stay patient and don't sell the farm is my only argument.

I understand what you are saying, Solar. Selling the farm is obviously a very drastic and risky move, and there is basically only one team in the league, in my opinion, that must and can rely almost entirely on their quarterback for the team to get success, and even they have by far the best tight end in the league as well as some good wide receivers. Every other team needs to surround their quarterback with much talent, and obviously you need draft picks to do that.

My argument for signing Kirk Cousins or give up a lot to move up in the first round and take one of the big three (I am not including Josh Allen) is that the quarterback is essential in competing for a Super Bowl. I have previously argued how the Eagles, the Vikings and the Jaguars were very close without a stud quarterback, but even they got at least above average play from their quarterbacks in the last couple of their games. I don’t believe you can win with bad quarterback play.

The Cardinals need to get their quarterback of the future, in my opinion. They have waited far too long. You could even argue that neither Kurt Warner or Carson Palmer could be considered starters for the long run when they were acquired. That was the point with acquiring Matt Leinart and Kevin Kolb but that’s a long time ago. Because of that, I would offer a very big contract to Cousins or trade maybe even three first round picks to move into the top three or five. I wouldn’t really consider that as selling the farm, by the way, so basically I agree with you other than the part about staying patient.

To me, however they decide to move on regarding a quarterback, they must make that decision before deciding on anything else because it dictates what else they can and should do. If they go after a veteran, then it affects what else they can do in free agency as well as the draft. If they go with a rookie, then that affect how they can sign two or three high-prized free agents as well as how they approach the draft.

 

[Weenus O'Baggins]

I understand what you are saying, Solar. Selling the farm is obviously a very drastic and risky move, and there is basically only one team in the league, in my opinion, that must and can rely almost entirely on their quarterback for the team to get success

Did you see the Packers without Rodgers? From Super Bowl contenders to toilet bowl contenders

 

[Cheesebeef]

Well, I have more faith that Cousins is going to be successful than I do any QB in this draft (I know some will be good, but I feel that plenty will greatly disappoint, and I don't want us to be the ones that nab the Wendell Bryant of the group), but I'm less screaming for him than I'm saying that we backed ourselves into a corner and now have to at least try that route.

I think without Cousins, we're doomed to 2-3 years of bad football, but we can stem the bleeding by holding on to our picks and being patient with a bridge quarterback and rookie drafted somewhere outside of the top 10.

see, I think with Cousins were doomed to an even worse fate of a couple bad years of football. I think he puts us in NFL Purgatory, where we will continue to win 7-9 games, never be a contender and never be bad enough to get that truly great QB the franchise has longed for forever.

I'm with you though on the notion that we backed ourselves into a crappy corner. I just think Cousins keeps us there for the long term. All that said, if we do trade the farm and it ends up being for Allen, I will freak the frak out.

 

[DVontel]

You lost me at 1.

Cheapest vet out there.

 

[Solar7]

I understand what you are saying, Solar. Selling the farm is obviously a very drastic and risky move, and there is basically only one team in the league, in my opinion, that must and can rely almost entirely on their quarterback for the team to get success, and even they have by far the best tight end in the league as well as some good wide receivers. Every other team needs to surround their quarterback with much talent, and obviously you need draft picks to do that.

My argument for signing Kirk Cousins or give up a lot to move up in the first round and take one of the big three (I am not including Josh Allen) is that the quarterback is essential in competing for a Super Bowl. I have previously argued how the Eagles, the Vikings and the Jaguars were very close without a stud quarterback, but even they got at least above average play from their quarterbacks in the last couple of their games. I don’t believe you can win with bad quarterback play.

The Cardinals need to get their quarterback of the future, in my opinion. They have waited far too long. You could even argue that neither Kurt Warner or Carson Palmer could be considered starters for the long run when they were acquired. That was the point with acquiring Matt Leinart and Kevin Kolb but that’s a long time ago. Because of that, I would offer a very big contract to Cousins or trade maybe even three first round picks to move into the top three or five. I wouldn’t really consider that as selling the farm, by the way, so basically I agree with you other than the part about staying patient.

To me, however they decide to move on regarding a quarterback, they must make that decision before deciding on anything else because it dictates what else they can and should do. If they go after a veteran, then it affects what else they can do in free agency as well as the draft. If they go with a rookie, then that affect how they can sign two or three high-prized free agents as well as how they approach the draft.

Two thoughts here, and I appreciate your take on the situation. But...

1. How can you not think giving up three first round picks is not "selling the farm?" Even the top quarterbacks need a team around them to succeed. Rookies very often struggle. Not only are we putting our top pick in a situation where all of the pressure is on him to win, but if he does struggle, as many do, this team could end up in the top ten. That's where you get blue chip players that change the face of your franchise. (Fitz, PP21, could have had Adrian Peterson.) Then we're losing top ten picks, or second round picks that are where we can get players like Budda Baker.

2. History dictates that trading up for a QB is not successful at all. You're basically making this move and saying "I know better than everyone else," including the teams you're trying to trade with that are desperate for decent QB play.

 

[Solar7]

see, I think with Cousins were doomed to an even worse fate of a couple bad years of football. I think he puts us in NFL Purgatory, where we will continue to win 7-9 games, never be a contender and never be bad enough to get that truly great QB the franchise has longed for forever.

I'm with you though on the notion that we backed ourselves into a crappy corner. I just think Cousins keeps us there for the long term. All that said, if we do trade the farm and it ends up being for Allen, I will freak the frak out.

I definitely respect the worry about pay. It's just as valid as the worries about trading up. I'm concerned about it too - but also mindful that we've got a lot of cap space coming up.

At the end of the day it just comes down to me thinking Cousins is a very good QB that was stuck behind a poor surrounding cast.

 

[oaken1]

one really needs to look at future flexibility when it comes to the QB decision. Trading picks or using cap space?? Which is the best option for the team long term?

say we trade away the 2019 and 2020 first round picks..... if the rook suxx, then those picks will be top ten and that suxx for us but is awesome for whoever we traded with.
On the other hand if the rook is rockin it those picks may be in the 20's instead...so it suxx less for us and rocks less for our trade partner...so obviously we want to get the pick right.
But by trading picks, we have lots of cap space to fill in holes.... need a corner? Sign a corner that has proven they can start in the NFL... need a guard? Sign a guard that has proven they can play in the nfl...
But the draft is iffy.... this year Quentin Nelson is the only sure fire starter at guard and unless 6 QB's go in the top 10 picks Nelson wont be on the board at 15....so we cant draft a starting guard...
there are usually a couple of good corners in the draft...some years a sure fire starter can be had at 20,..other years he cant be found outside the top 10..... but there are over 30 FA corners this year,...all of whom have proven they can play in the NFL....pro bowlers?? No...but its not likely a corner selected around 20 in the draft is going to be a pro bowler either.

draft picks give a team a chance to infuse youth and talent on their team... but they all need to develop and many will not start their first year...so as much as we would like it otherwise drafting is generally a roster building exercise to ensure your team stays a bit more competitive in the future... but it cant really be used effectively to plug holes for now.

Free agency allows a team to plug holes now... but you need cap space to be a player in free agency... having an extra $30mil in cap space allows your team to sign a pro bowl caliber guard, WR, and a starting corner...

with the position this team is in right now we cant afford to build our entire offense through the draft... the defense is ready to go... but we need QB, WR , OC, OG, and OT

if we sign a 30mil QB, we cannot draft to fill all the other positions this year...we can maybe get two...and whoever we do draft needs time to develop,..all the start ready guys will go in the top 15 (except for WR and C)........not to mention other holes will come open over the next couple of years...

Drafting a QB the guy may take time to develop...true...

but Deshaun Watson was on pace for 4300 yds and 42 TD's, hell...he threw for 420 yds and 4 TD's against the seahags defense

rookie QB's can be productive..we have seen it often in the recent years... but in order for them to be successful you need the cap space to build the team around them.


or,...I guess we could go the billichek route and call other GM's offering them picks for players

 

[oaken1]

I definitely respect the worry about pay. It's just as valid as the worries about trading up. I'm concerned about it too - but also mindful that we've got a lot of cap space coming up.

At the end of the day it just comes down to me thinking Cousins is a very good QB that was stuck behind a poor surrounding cast.

we only have a lot of cap space coming up because we only have about 15 players under contract next season

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Cheapest vet out there.

I'd rather stick with Stanton...... and I hate Stanton.

 

[Chopper0080]

Re-sign
Kareem Martin
Tyvon Branch
Kerwynn Williams
EFA's
RFA's

Cut
Tyrann Mathieu
Mike Iupati
Deone Bucannon
Josh Mauro

Sign
Jordan Matthews - WR
Albert Wilson - WR
Andrew Norwell - OG
Navarro Bowman - ILB
Malcolm Butler - CB

Trade 2018 1st, 2019 1st, 2020 1st round pick to Browns for #1
1-Draft Sam Darnold QB
2-James Daniels - C
3-Brian O'Neill - OT

 

[BillsCarnage]

Trade 2018 1st, 2019 1st, 2020 1st round pick to Browns for #1
1-Draft Sam Darnold QB
2-James Daniels - C
3-Brian O'Neill - OT

That's a lot to give up when there's no clear #1 QB in the draft. I'd hate for that to become Ricky Williams pt2. On one hand Cleveland would be foolish to not take that. On the other hand Keim would be foolish to offer that, imo. But, on the other, other, other hand Keim hasn't had much success with the first round.

 

[HoodieBets]

If Sam Darnold is on this team I may not even watch. He to me is not even close to a good prospect and should have stayed in school given his horrible year.


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[oaken1]

Re-sign
Kareem Martin
Tyvon Branch
Kerwynn Williams
EFA's
RFA's

Cut
Tyrann Mathieu
Mike Iupati
Deone Bucannon
Josh Mauro

Sign
Jordan Matthews - WR
Albert Wilson - WR
Andrew Norwell - OG
Navarro Bowman - ILB
Malcolm Butler - CB

Trade 2018 1st, 2019 1st, 2020 1st round pick to Browns for #1
1-Draft Sam Darnold QB
2-James Daniels - C
3-Brian O'Neill - OT

Thats aggressive Chopper...I like it...and if Daniels can start right away at center it makes our offense instantly competitive.
In that scenario I would start Sam day one and let him learn as he goes...if McCoy adjusts the offense as he claims there is no reason to think Sam wouldnt be able to take us to the playoffs with that roster.

 

[HoodieBets]

Thats aggressive Chopper...I like it...and if Daniels can start right away at center it makes our offense instantly competitive.
In that scenario I would start Sam day one and let him learn as he goes...if McCoy adjusts the offense as he claims there is no reason to think Sam wouldnt be able to take us to the playoffs with that roster.

You must not have watched USC football this past year.


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[Buckybird]

Two thoughts here, and I appreciate your take on the situation. But...

1. How can you not think giving up three first round picks is not "selling the farm?" Even the top quarterbacks need a team around them to succeed. Rookies very often struggle. Not only are we putting our top pick in a situation where all of the pressure is on him to win, but if he does struggle, as many do, this team could end up in the top ten. That's where you get blue chip players that change the face of your franchise. (Fitz, PP21, could have had Adrian Peterson.) Then we're losing top ten picks, or second round picks that are where we can get players like Budda Baker.

2. History dictates that trading up for a QB is not successful at all. You're basically making this move and saying "I know better than everyone else," including the teams you're trying to trade with that are desperate for decent QB play.

Imo it’s not selling the farm if you hit on that QB! It’s just not! If you’re team has a top 5 QB, your going to be in the hunt within a few seasons unless you just blow goats on your other selections.

Would you trade 3 1st rounders & possibly a few middle round picks for Rodgers right now? I would. How about Brady, Big Ben or Ryan in their prime? Imo if not, you’re a fool.

Btw who’s team would you rather have the Iggles or Browns? They “traded the farm” & have a pretty good roster just 3 years later!!! Spare me Wentz didn’t play in the SB because he guided them to the best record in the NFC.

Oh & the Browns still don’t have a QB despite all those high draft picks lol

 

[oaken1]

That's a lot to give up when there's no clear #1 QB in the draft. I'd hate for that to become Ricky Williams pt2. On one hand Cleveland would be foolish to not take that. On the other hand Keim would be foolish to offer that, imo. But, on the other, other, other hand Keim hasn't had much success with the first round.

thats the misconception. There is a clear #1 QB in this draft and that is Sam Darnold

there are also lots of guys who will be good starters and a couple who will be stars... but Sam is hands down the best choice...mostly because his floor is the highest... the worst you get with Darnold is "average starter"... but he also has a high ceiling

 

[oaken1]

You must not have watched USC football this past year.


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I watch lots of USC football,..its on every week up here where I live.

anyone who thinks Sam Darnold is not the real deal...hasnt watched enough USC football.

 

[BillsCarnage]

thats the misconception. There is a clear #1 QB in this draft and that is Sam Darnold

there are also lots of guys who will be good starters and a couple who will be stars... but Sam is hands down the best choice...mostly because his floor is the highest... the worst you get with Darnold is "average starter"... but he also has a high ceiling

What if he bombs at the combine; then who are you drafting at #1 in this scenario? He might have the highest ceiling of the group, but that doesn't necessarily make him the clear #1. Most mocks have a combo of Darnold/Rosen/Allen at the #1. They all have their flaws and hopefully the combine will sort things out.

 

[HoodieBets]

I watch lots of USC football,..its on every week up here where I live.

anyone who thinks Sam Darnold is not the real deal...hasnt watched enough USC football.

I watched every game this year and his lack of ball protection and not slashing middle of the pack D1 defenses is not a good sign for the NFL. It’s USC it’s not like he didn’t have good weapons all year. He only had 4 games all year that he didn’t throw a pick. Go look at the tape of the WSU and the bowl game. He is going the give the ball up a ton at the next level. He doesn’t feel the rush.


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[Solar7]

Imo it’s not selling the farm if you hit on that QB! It’s just not! If you’re team has a top 5 QB, your going to be in the hunt within a few seasons unless you just blow goats on your other selections.

Would you trade 3 1st rounders & possibly a few middle round picks for Rodgers right now? I would. How about Brady, Big Ben or Ryan in their prime? Imo if not, you’re a fool.

Btw who’s team would you rather have the Iggles or Browns? They “traded the farm” & have a pretty good roster just 3 years later!!! Spare me Wentz didn’t play in the SB because he guided them to the best record in the NFC.

Oh & the Browns still don’t have a QB despite all those high draft picks lol

If. And yeah, this is the year the Browns need to take a QB and not trade it away. If Darnold is the surefire guy, we just can't get him. Nonetheless, if we do, what if he turns 21 and loves going to the bar too much? What if he just can't hang?

Sure I'd trade away a bunch for Rodgers - for Brady in his prime (with the right coach). They're proven commodities. Almost every traded for QB in the past 20 years has flopped hard. The other two? Nah. Not in a vacuum.

But no, I'm not going to "spare you Wentz," because their team won without him, and now he has a torn ACL.

 

[Mitch]

1. Trade CB Patrick Peterson to the Eagles for QB Nick Foles, CB Rasul Douglas and a 2019 3rd round pick.

2. Release Tyrann Mathieu, Mike Iupati, Jared Veldheer, A.Q. Shipley, Josh Mauro, Deone Bucannon and reach an injury settlement with TE Jermaine Gresham.

3. Sign the following UFAs: (1) G Andrew Norwell (Panthers); (2) G Josh Klein (Titans); (3) G/T Earl Watford (Cardinals); (4) WR Paul Richardson (Seahawks); (5) TE Trey Burton (Eagles); (6) DE Kareem Martin (Cardinals); (7) LB Zach Brown (Redskins); (8) LB Josh Bynes (Cardinals); (9) CB Tramon Williams (Cardinals); (10) Tyvon Branch (Cardinals).

4. Draft: Trade down #15 into the mid-to-late 20s to pick up extra 3rd rounder: Draft: (1) Billy Price, C, Ohio St.; (2) Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina St. (3A); Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa; (3B) Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond.; (3C) D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland; (4) Jaylen Samuels, TE/FB, North Carolina St.; (5) Kamrin Moore, CB/S, Boston College; (7) J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio St.

Starting Lineups:

QB: Nick Foles (Kyle Lauletta)
RB: David Johnson (Akrum Wadley)
FB: Jaylen Samuels (Elijaah Penny)
TE: Trey Burton (Ricky Seals-Jones)
WR: Larry Fitzgerald (Carlos Agudosi)
WR: Paul Richardson (Chad Williams)
WR: D.J. Moore (J.J. Nelson)
LT: D.J. Humphries (Will Holden)
LG: Andrew Norwell (Earl Watford)
C: Billy Price (Andrew Munyer)
RG: Josh Klein (Evan Boehm)
RT: John Wetzel (Will Holden)

LDE: Marcus Golden (Kareem Martin)
LDT: Robert Nkemdiche (Corey Peters)
RDT: Olsen Pierre (Rodney Gunter)
RDE: Chandler Jones (Praise Martin-Oguike)
SAM: Hasaan Reddick (Josh Bynes)
MIKE: Zach Brown (Scooby Wright)
WILL: Darius Leonard (Gabe Martin)
LCB: Rasul Douglas (C.J. Goodwin)
SS: Budda Baker (Rudy Ford)
FS: Antione Bethea (Tyvon Branch)
RCB: Tramon Williams (Kamrin Moore)

K: Phil Dawson
P: Andy Lee
LS: Aaron Brewer

 

[AZfaninMN]

Cap space is one of our biggest issues coming into this season. I know fitz means a lot to the franchise, but if he’s about winning he could take less money. His cap hit is over $16m placing him 3rd in the league. I’m not saying he isn’t worth it, but he’s not what he was 5 years ago.

A couple others I’d restructure if possible:
Jared Veldheer- he played great at the end of the year, but he’s on the right side now and he’s being paid to play the left. His $10m cap hit could be more like $7m and he’d still be in the top 10 for his position.

Mike Iupati- to get DJ rolling we need Iupati, but he can’t stay healthy. Another guy with a $10m cap hit that could easily be dropped $3-4m and still be top 10 in his position. Hard to gauge if he’s still a top 10 guard when he hasn’t been on the field much, but his run blocking will help our qb situation.

Tyrann Mathieu- obviously. Everyone knows it... I still think he can play, but he hasn’t had a full offseason to become himself, until this year. You can’t fault him for signing a contract offered to him by the gm. I wouldn’t mind seeing his number somewhere around $10m instead of $14.

Deone Bucannon- another guy who has fallen off these last 2 years. I’m not 100% sure, but Since were exercising his 5th year option on his rookie deal can he be restructured? If so his number should be cut in half.

Players I’d bring back:
Justin bethel- special team exclusive

Tyvon Branch- he was playing outstanding before his injury.

Tramon Williams- need a number 2 and he played great.

Troy Niklas- cheap blocking TE.

Alex Boone- playing him at right guard will help solidify our guards.

Josh Bynes- our best interior LB last year I thought.

Jaron Brown- 2 years after his knee injury could have a breakout season with his size.

Kerwynn Williams- solid backup and good on ST.

Kareem Martin-Depth

Last year our qbs threw for 3600 21 TDs and 18 ints and we went 8-8 in a qb driven league. Having said that I wouldn’t mind a game manager as a bridge while our #15 pick(Lamar Jackson) learns. If our bridge qb struggles or the team does, you bring in the rookie.

Qbs I like:
Tyrod Taylor- not a big fan of his since he throws for around 200 a game, but he doesn’t turn the ball over. I think that could be a huge boost with our d if we win the turnover battle every game.

Matt Moore- I never really understood why he didn’t get a chance to start in his career since his breakout year in 2011. He’s been a solid backup and he’s someone that can fill that role again if he is benched for a rookie.

Chase Daniel- He’s been behind Drew Brees for most his career, so I’m hoping he picked up a thing or 2 from the future HOF’er. Worst case scenario he could be a backup.

A couple of other FA I like:
Bashad Breeland(CB)- played opposite Norman in Washington and has good size and for a zone d.(assuming we run a lot of zone with Wilks D)

Jarvis Landry (WR)- tough hard nosed wr that brings some attitude to the offense.

Nigel Bradham(LB)- big LB who is good in coverage. Bigger and better version of Bucannon.

Allen Robinson (WR)- Considered a top 10 WR a couple years ago, he hasn’t had consistent QB play to repeat. Coming off a knee injury, could be a prove it contract

Ross Cockrell (CB)-I thought he was the most consistent CB for the Giants last year and got a lot of playing time late in the season.

Austin Sefferien-Jenkins(TE)- still young and a huge red zone target at 6’ 6”

Tahir Whitehead (LB)- run stuffing LB that is a good tackler.

Haloti Ngata(DT)- another run plugger and could serve as a 1st and 2nd down DT while Pierre gets the interior sacks on the inside.

Draft I like:
1- Lamar Jackson QB Louisville
2- Anthony Miller WR Memphis -or- Billy Price OG Ohio State
3- Christian Sam ILB ASU

That’s all I got for now.