Cardinals coverage and the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Miami Hurricanes DE Calais Campbell was thought to be a first rounder earlier, but slid until the landed in the desert... The Cardinals stopped his fall at #50 overall. He is a huge defensive end that will fit their 3-4 well http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals have selected cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at #16. He has good height, is a bit slight but is very athletic and looked good in the Senior Bowl. This moves Rolle to safety, which was done before but secures it. He is a very good looking player with ball skills that needs to improve his tackling and be more physical http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Ok here is our final 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Glad we got the first pick right and guaranteed not to get all 32 thanks to the Patriots, but never came close anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Add Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin to the list of players who want a trade and add the Cardinals to the list saying shut up and play. It's getting tiring listening to these players and their agents. You want more money fine... go ask your boss nicely and if he says no don't go whining to the media about it http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net So it's time to release our first 2008 NFL Mock Draft - another will come Friday before the draft. There is lots of intrigue and different scenarios and some trades will factor in of course, but we'll take a look where things are at now. See our 2008 NFL Mock Draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Cardinals have signed former Browns LB Matt Stewart to a one year deal to add some depth http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Cardinals nose tackle Gabe Watson found not everything is voice activated as he fell off a treadmill last week and fractured his kneecap in the process. Watson will be limited in training camp but could be ready for the start of the season http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net So the big news is Cardinals QB Matt Leinart and his pictures on the internet having some fun. The world seems to be all worked up over him being in a hot tub with 4 young attractive bikini clad women.... is their a problem or are they just jealous? Of course no one really wants those pictures out there, but really what is the problem? He is a 24 year old single male who has a ton of money and a glamorous job... did you expect him to be home watching CSPAN or enjoying the celebrity status? Didn't we all know this was who he was coming out of college? Ok the beer bong picture probably is regrettable.. your not in college anymore, stick to the hot tub. But seriously folks relax, it's not like you wouldn't be there if you could. If he never shows up at the office fine... but how many other quarterbacks are at the team facility at 11pm on a Saturday night in April??? That is what I thought http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Cardinals have resigned CB Eric Green and DE Antonio Smith to their one year tender sheets as restricted free agents http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals have resigned defensive back Matt Ware http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Cardinals have signed a potential replacement for Calvin Pace and a familiar one at that, former Steelers starter Clark Haggans has signed on in Arizona. Haggans lost his starting job last year and is looking for a fresh start http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Finally with some cap room to work the Cardinals made a flurry of moves resigning guard Elton Brown, WR Ahmad Merritt andDE Bo Schobel and adding former Steelers QB Brian St. Pierre, WR Jerheme Urban and DT Joe Tafoya http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Panthers have signed former Cardinals safety Terrence Holt. He was a big addition for the Cardinals last year but was released after one season and will have a chance to compete for a starting spot, if not he will be a top backup in nickel and dime situations http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Bengals have signed former Cardinals LB Brandon Johnson http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The 49ers dipped back into free agency to sign former divisional opponent, Cardinals WR Bryant Johnson to a one year deal according to ESPN. Johnson has made some trips around the league but didn't generate the amount of interest most thought he would and he was unable to get the money he wanted. It appears he looked for the best opportunity for playing time and took a one year deal to re-enter free agency next year hoping for a better outcome. In San Francisco he finds his position coach from his rookie year in Jerry Sullivan, who Anquan Boldin credits for his huge rookie year. Add to that Mike Martz is running (throwing) the offense and you know there will be opportunities for the receivers. Johnson becomes another one of the receivers who look like #3 options on most team that will compete for one of the two starting jobs in San Francisco. The 49ers other receivers are Isaac Bruce, Darrell Jackson, Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill and Ashley Lelie. This should take receiver off the top of their list in the draft though a shifty slot receiver in the 3rd or 4th rounds is still a possibility http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net All the rumors about Larry Fitzgerald can finally stop, the Eagles are not going to get him. Rumors have been rampant, and not just this year. This time the Cardinals and Fitzgerald agreed on a new contract extension to help with the massive cap number the Cardinals were so stupid to negotiate into his rookie deal. The new 4 year $40 million extension has $31 million guaranteed and $15 million as a signing bonus as well as a $2 million salary so he is getting a little more than the $14.5 million he was scheduled to be paid this year. The move also clears almost $9 million in salary cap space for the team which desperately needs it http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Cardinals lost OLB Calvn Pace and have already signed his replacement, for Titans DE Travis LaBoy to a 5 year $22 million deal with $7.5 million guaranteed. LaBoy will convert from defensive end to outside linebackers and the Cardinals hope the move works as well this year as it did last year for Pace http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Jets keep signing and spending, adding OLB Calvin Pace with a 6 year $42 million deal with $22 million guaranteed. Pace was considered a first round bust before the Cardinals switched to a 3-4 last year and an injury gave him a chance to start. The Jets are banking that it is his natural position and he will continue to put up good numbers and that it's wasn't a one year thing. That is a gamble with $22 million guaranteed http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Cardinals WR Bryant Johnson is in Buffalo today meeting with the Bills as they look to find a starting receiver http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Dolphins are not done on day one as they have former Raiders QB Josh McCown and OLB Calvin Pace coming in for a visit. Pace is the top option at rush linebacker for 3-4 teams and the Dolphins have the money to spend, now the question is if he is worth it. Pace was a first round bust before the Cardinals switched to a 3-4 defense last year and an injury gave him a chance to start and shine http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Titans should be rather active in free agency, first trying to keep their defenders and adding play makers on offense. Donte' Stallworth and Michael Turner were discussed last year and could be targeted. Two lesser names to watch though are Cardinals WR Bryant Johnson and 49ers RB Maurice Hicks http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Bertrand Berry is giving back to the Cardinals... restructuring his contract to avoid being cut. He lowered his $4 million salary and is now based mostly on incentives. If he can stay healthy he can be a force rushing the passer, but that is the problem, he hasn't been able to stay healthy http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net As expected the Arizona Cardinals have placed the franchise tag on OLB Karlos Dansby to keep him off the market http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Ah yes tax time is near and the pain of seeing how much money we fork over to cause deep pain in our stomachs. Then of course there is all the good that comes from it, such as members of congress spending the day listening to the he said she said of Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee (don't forget Andy Pettitte too) and now a new wonderful word "Nannygate", ugh what has this world come to? Add to that Arlen Specter grilling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the spygate issue, threatening congressional hearings and the league's antitrust exemption. Do these blowhard's not have anything better to do with their days??? Do we not have any serious issues to be tackled in this great country that we have time to bicker and seek headlines with this crap? Hey guys call me when you fix the economy, health care, homelessness in this rich country and a list longer than.... then we can get around to which retired baseball players did what. Other than Barry Bonds the rest of this is ridiculous and makes me not want to pay attention to the sports we all love so much. This country has become addicted to soap opera's and reality crap where everyone wants their 15 minutes. It's not like this is all brand new, the Steelers of the 70s admittedly used steroids and they certainly were not alone but no one is calling to take back their Super Bowl wins. Lester Hayes is probably my favorite corner of all time, but he reported used something to help him get a better grip. Can we all just move on and focus on trying to fix things rather than going over the top about the past. Either way Roger was dominant, the Patriots were superior and as much as it pains us Bonds was a Hall of Famer before they all crossed the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The NFL suffered a tragedy with the loss of Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot in his home during a suspected buglary, he was 24 years old. We extend our sympathy to Sean's family, friends and teammates http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Cardinals QB Matt Leinart was pulled after an ugly start 9 of 20 for 53 yards, Steve McNair was still ailing so Kurt Warner led a Cardinals charge for the late win against Kyle Boller. Warner went 15 of 20 for 258 yards and 2 TDs and 17 points in the 4th quarter but were stopped by Ravens kicker Matt Stover and a 46 yard game winner. Boller did well also going 80 of 10 for 83 yards http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals pulled QB Matt Leinart after he struggled going 9 of 20 for a pitiful 53 yards against the Ravens stingy defense. Kurt Warner is in... seems every year people want to say this is their year, but regardless of the talent on offense they jut can't seem to get it done http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals pulled out a late win over the Seahawks with a 42 field goal. They had a 17-0 lead in the first half but the Seahawks came back and should have won, but Cardinals LB Gerald Hayes forced a fumble on an ugly play where Matt Hasselbeck couldn't get the hand off to Shaun Alexander and that led to the winning drive as time ran out. This could be a big win for the Cardinals who had a tough loss Monday night. QB Matt Leinart looked much better and Edgerrin James looked great as the Cardinals finally found a way to win a tough game where they blew an early lead. As for the Seahawks, they know this isn't an easy division anymore http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals have added a familiar center, signing former Steeler Chukky Okobi to a one year deal according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Two up and coming teams met to close out week one and lucky for NFL fans on the East Coast it was such a late start, the game was a sleeper too. Ok you have to give both defenses credit for great play but the offenses were just horrible. Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby and 49ers LB Patrick Willis each had 11 tackles and were everywhere. Neither QB could move the ball and was usually under solid pressure. The 49ers penalties, even questionable ones helped the Cardinals have a chance, but Alex Smith finally showed up with 3 minutes to go and led a long drive for the win http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net In a rare move the Arizona Cardinals their third round pick from this year, LB Buster Davis. The Cardinals didn't feel they wanted to wait on his potential as it didn't show up to this point. Davis is small but played very fast at Florida State was always around the ball and was a solid tackler. At 5'9 he was prepared for a fight in the NFL, but seemed like he could be a special teams ace in his first couple years while trying to break into the lineup http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Cardinals have released 37 year old punter Scott Player who had been with the team for 9 years. He is being replaced by Mike Barr who has never kicked in the NFL but had an excellent pre-season for the Steelers http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Here is a great article by Fox Sports' John Czarnecki about how the NFL rookie are being paid way too much. "It doesn't make sense that LaRon Landry is the highest paid safety in the game," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told me. "And that Joe Thomas (Cleveland's top pick) has a better deal than Tom Brady. For example, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed yesterday for less guaranteed money than what Johnson and Thomas collected, and only a moron would say those rookies deserve more than one of the NFL's best running backs... we're right there with you John, good work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals finally get their top pick signed. Tackle Levi Brown got a 6 year $62 (funny money) deal with $18 million guaranteed according to the Arizona Republic. The deal is way over the slotted amount and contains incentives Brown will never reach and a salary in the sixth year he'll never see. It gives his agent a big head and some BS to tell recruits next year... you'd think they see his player holding out for money he'll never get, dumb http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net According to the Arizona Republic the Cardinals have agreed to the 'structure' of the contract with top pick Levi Brown, but the money part.. well that is another matter. very agent is leery of being the first to sign in the top 10. Brown will likely get a 6 year deal worth just over $40 million and $17 million guaranteed... not too bad when it gets done http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Former Cardinals DT Kendrick Clancy quickly found a new team, signing with the New Orleans Saints and getting a 3 year contract. He started 11 games last year for the Cardinals but is more of a reserve. He will add to their rotation, but don't expect big numbers from him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Cardinals only had two picks on day two of the draft but they made them count. Michigan WR Steve Breaston will be a solid return man and add depth to a loaded receiver position, and TE Ben Patrick in the 7th round was an absolute steal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals traded up in round two with the Raiders to draft DT Alan Branch. The Cardinals are a big physical team and want to play a bit of the 3-4 on defense and in Alan Branch they got a player who can play in either front. Branch can play the nose in the 3-4 for them and give the physical presence they want. They swapped second round picks and threw in a 4th to get this pick http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals took Penn State OT Levi Brown #5 overall. The Cardinals needed to improve their line but even though Russ Grimm loves Brown, possibly more than Joe Thomas, we believe Thomas is not that good. We see this as a dangerous pick. Brown is physical and tough which fits the mold of the team and Grimm and will add to the offense, but he should not have been a top 5 pick. http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Washington Redskins have signed former Cardinals CB David Macklin to a one year deal for the veteran's minimum. Macklin will compete for the nickel job with the Redskins http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Updating the contract for new Cardinals offensive lineman Mike Gandy, the deal is worth $14 million over 3 years according to the Arizona Republic. He will receive $3 million this year between a signing bonus and base salary and next off season the team will decide how things went in year one before paying a $2.5 million roster bonus next year and a $3.5 million base salary http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals have resigned backup DE Antonio Smith http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals added some versatility to their offensive line signing former Bills lineman Mike Gandy to a 3 year contract. Gandy can play guard or tackle and started at both spots on the left side last year in Buffalo. The move will help give them some flexibility on the line after losing Leonard Davis in free agency to the Cowboys http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The New York Jets have signed one of the Cardinals biggest draft busts. Former FSU standout defensive end Andre Wadsworth who last just 3 years in the league is attempting to make a comeback after being out of the league six years (no word on the Vegas odds). The Jets are hoping there is some pass rush left in him, but the egg timer has started already http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The NFL announced the prime time games for the opening weekend at the owners meeting. The Saints will travel to Indianapolis in the opening game Thursday night. The Sunday afternoon national game features the Bears traveling to San Diego where new head coach Norv Turner will face off against his brother, Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner. The Sunday night game is Giants at the Cowboys and as last year there are a pair off Monday night games. First the Ravens travel to Cincinnati and then the Cardinals visit the 49ers in San Francisco http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Former Browns FB Terrelle Smith has signed a two year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals and Packers were the two team most interested in the punishing blocker. The Cardinals also resigned DE Chris Cooper to a 2 year deal http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Cincinnati Bengals signed former Cardinals center Alex Stepanovich to a one year deal. The Bengals lost Eric Steinbach in free agency and center Rich Braham to retirement and Stepanovich will step right in for Braham http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt brought WR Sean Morey from Pittsburgh to the desert. Morey doesn't see the field much on offense but is an excellent special teams player that Whisenhunt was familiar with http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Indianapolis Colts added some depth with a pair of signings. Former Cardinals QB John Navarre and LB Mike Labinjo both played college in the state of Michigan. Navarre adds solid depth at QB not that it has ever been needed with Peyton Manning at the helm but still nice to have http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals have resigned veteran linebacker Monty Beisel to a two year contract. Beisel played well for the Cards after being released by the Patriots last year. He provides good depth at linebacker http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals have dumped wide receivers coach Richie Anderson four days after he was busted in a police prostitution sting operation for soliciting an undercover police officer. It shows coaches are getting pay raises but are still on a much shorter leash than the players are. Pacman Jones is in trouble nearly every week, Bengals officials have reserved seats in the county court room and one mistake by Anderson and he's gone. Eugene Robinson wasn't even released by the Falcons for doing the same things the night before they played in the Super Bowl years ago and that arrest got a lot more attention. Anderson was arrested, yes, and that should have consequences but it not as severe an crime as some players have gotten this year by any means and none of them are looking for work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals needed to improve their secondary this off season and now add former Eagles nickel back Roderick Hood with a 5 year deal. Hood is looking to follow in the steps of Al Harris who was the Eagles previous nickel corner who went to Green Bay in free agency, started and has become one of the best in the league. Hood is similar, a tough physical corner who can be exposed deep at times, but worthy of getting a chance to start. With the earlier addition of Terrence Holt the Cardinals have improved themselves. If they can get Antrel Rolle to play up to expectations along with Adrian Wilson at safety they will be in good shape http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Cardinals have improved their depth by signing former Lions safety Terrence Holt to a 5 year contract http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly took a quick tour in free agency but decided to return home and signed a 3 year deal with the Bengals Tuesday http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals signed former Cowboys center Al Johnson to a 4 year contract. He will compete with Nick Leckey for a starting spot http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Bengals tight end Reggie Kelly has been traveling the last few days but that may be about to come to an end soon. He has visited the Raiders and Cardinals in the past few days and the Bengals are still in the mix as well. A decision should be coming soon http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals brought in a bunch of players for a visit Monday accord to the NF Network. Those in town were cornerbacks Travis Fisher and Roderick Hood, center Al Johnson, safety Kevin Kaesviharn and tight end Reggie Kelly. The Cardinals avoided the first wave and are looking for quality in the second tier of free agents http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Dallas Cowboys have signed for Cardinals tackle Leonard Davis to a 7 year deal worth almost $49.75 million including $18.75 million. The numbers seem like they had to just barely one up the other lineman who have signed in free agency. Eric Steinbach got $49.5 million over 7 years and Derrick Dockery got $18.5 million guaranteed. Truly amazing what some of these guys are getting in free agency and since he will play on the right side at guard or tackle what does Flozell Adams think who is getting $6 million per while playing left tackle? There are going to be a lot of people asking for new deals before too long http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Dallas Cowboys are close to a deal with Leonard Davis according to ESPN. He will play either right guard or right tackle if signed in Dallas. Expectations are for more than $20 million guaranteed and the average to exceed $7 million per year. One question, if he was worth that why were the Cardinals looking for an upgrade? Free agency is definitely making average players very very rich this year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Former Cardinals tackle Leonard Davis is looking for a big payday in the NFC East. Yesterday he was in Dallas and today Washington where the Redskins need to replace Derrick Dockery who signed in Buffalo yesterday. Don't think Davis doesn't know the numbers the guards signed for yesterday and his ability to play tackle as well may make him believe he is worth more http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net The Arizona Cardinals have resigned RB Marcell Shipp and safety Hanik Milligan each to 3 year contracts http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Cardinals OT Leonard Davis talking with 3 NFC East teams according to ESPN http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Tomorrow morning isn't Christmas but may seem like it in some NFL cities as free agency begins . There will be some quick signing and the sticker price will shock and awe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Not a major surprise but Cardinals OT Leonard Davis will be leaving in free agency. The Cardinals have said they will not tag him or resign him and will allow him to test the market. They would consider resigning him later but he will be gone in the first week. Not that he is a big star but left tackles are hard to find and there are a few teams in need that will certainly over pay for an average one like Davis http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net Bengals guard Eric Steinbach figures to be popular and well paid come next month. There are many reports as to teams that are interested, none include Cincinnati who is moving on. The Browns are an obvious team with their troubles on the line and the fact they have plenty of cap room. Peter King had reported during the season of the 49ers interest, though we question that. The Cardinals, Bills, Bears, Cowboys, Lions and Bucs all figure to show interest, among others who will take a look http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net What is it with the rumors of the Vikings trading for Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. People are looking for too many obvious situations to start rumors. Fitzgerald is from the Minneapolis area and was a Vikings ball boy when he was younger but the Cardinals are not going to trade him. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt is licking his chops to work with the talented playmakers on the team. Of course it's yet to be seen if can actually do again with the talent, Denny Green had no luck as many before him http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1 PFInsider.net There are 6 new inductees to Hall of Fame: Cowboys WR Michael Irvin, Bills RB Thurman Thomas, OL Bruce Matthews of the Oilers/Titans, St. Louis Cardinals CB Roger Wehrli, and two from the veterans' committee: Lions TE Charlie Sanders and Browns OG Gene Hickerson. A nice thing to notice is all of the player each played for only one franchise in their careers. Bruce Matthews played in two cities but the same franchise http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=1