Free Agency Proves to Be a Cardinal-Killer

The first day of uncapped NFL free agency went as expected – with many productive players achieving their goal of a highly anticipated payday.

But the more pertinent question may be this:

What should we expect of the Arizona Cardinals this year?

The Cardinals, who entertained us with one of the most thrilling playoff games this past year, will have their work cut out for them as they enter the 2010 NFL season.  On Friday, the defending NFC West champions lost some notable players including:

- LB Karlos Dansby appeared on NFL Live about 15 minutes after free agency had officially begun (that would be at approximately 12:15am Thursday night/Friday morning), announcing that Miami was showing some interest in him.  Turns out that he was right, as the Dolphins signed him to a 5-year/$42 million contract ($22 million guaranteed) later in the day.

Rolle should pair with Kenny Phillips to make a dynamic safety tandem in New York.

- On Thursday, in an attempt to avoid a bonus payout, Arizona released S Antrel Rolle.  On Friday, he signed a $37 million deal over 5 years with the New York Giants.  The deal is the biggest ever given to an NFL safety.  It was basically their desire to keep SS Adrian Wilson happy by not giving Rolle more money than him that put the former first round draft pick on the open market.

- Finally, in a move that had been long-awaited, the Cardinals traded outspoken WR Anquan Boldin to the Baltimore Ravens.  Arizona also packaged a fifth round selection in this year’s draft and received a third and fourth round pick from the Ravens.  After the trade, Boldin reached a 3-year, $25 million extension with Baltimore. 

Quite an action-packed day – and not a good one - if you are an Arizona fan.  Prior to these (lack of) moves, QB Kurt Warner had announced his retirement from the league.  A team captain and emotional leader in the locker room, Warner’s absence will open a huge wound that cannot be fully filled by Matt Leinhart.

So, what’s left you ask?

That remains to be seen.  The only star-studded attraction around is Larry Fitzgerald, and without an established signal caller you gotta wonder how long he’ll want to stay around…

Just two days ago, Arizona’s personnel would have classified them as a favorite in their division.  But now….who knows?  Playing in the weakest division in the NFL, the Cards could still conceivably make the playoffs.

However, I’m betting that they won’t achieve what I can conceive.

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