Fox Sports: Cards make offer to James (1 Viewer)

[SammyJankis]

No link at this point. Was reported on TV by Fox Sports.

What was said:

- The Cards have met with James all day.

- They've made him an offer. 5 year deal. $10 million bonus. No word on salaries.

- Arizona wants an answer before James leaves town.

 

[acefootball]

 

[wannabee]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

 

[SammyJankis]

Cards looking to make a splash. They just signed G Milton Brown moments ago: link from AZ Cards page

Signed clancy earlier today.

 

[azcards33]

confirmation:

Cardinals | Team pushing hard for E. James signing

Sat, 11 Mar 2006 11:59:06 -0800

Darren Urban, of the East Valley Tribune, reports the Arizona Cardinals are expected to push free agent RB Edgerrin James (Colts) hard to get him to sign a deal before he leaves town.

 

[Boston]

A 10 million dollar bonus doesn't seem like enough to get Edge to go to Arizona. It's not low money but he's also not breaking the bank. Brian Williams just got 10 million from the Jags. Seeing as Arizona isn't the most stable franchise I would think they would need to pay a little extra to get a big time RB still in his prime like James to commit to them.

Question...what was Alexander's bonus?

 

[DrJ]

A 10 million dollar bonus doesn't seem like enough to get Edge to go to Arizona. It's not low money but he's also not breaking the bank. Brian Williams just got 10 million from the Jags. Seeing as Arizona isn't the most stable franchise I would think they would need to pay a little extra to get a big time RB still in his prime like James to commit to them.

Question...what was Alexander's bonus?

8 years, 62 million with 15 million in bonus and first year salary.

 

[cstu]

A 10 million dollar bonus doesn't seem like enough to get Edge to go to Arizona. It's not low money but he's also not breaking the bank. Brian Williams just got 10 million from the Jags. Seeing as Arizona isn't the most stable franchise I would think they would need to pay a little extra to get a big time RB still in his prime like James to commit to them.

Question...what was Alexander's bonus?

I expect Edge's bonus to end up higher if he signs, closer to SA's $15M.

 

[Boston]

A 10 million dollar bonus doesn't seem like enough to get Edge to go to Arizona.  It's not low money but he's also not breaking the bank.  Brian Williams just got 10 million from the Jags.  Seeing as Arizona isn't the most stable franchise I would think they would need to pay a little extra to get a big time RB still in his prime like James to commit to them.

Question...what was Alexander's bonus?

8 years, 62 million with 15 million in bonus and first year salary.

How much of the 62 is guaranteed? Is it 15? If so how does that first year breakdown between bonus and salary?

 

[Boston]

A 10 million dollar bonus doesn't seem like enough to get Edge to go to Arizona.  It's not low money but he's also not breaking the bank.  Brian Williams just got 10 million from the Jags.  Seeing as Arizona isn't the most stable franchise I would think they would need to pay a little extra to get a big time RB still in his prime like James to commit to them.

Question...what was Alexander's bonus?

I expect Edge's bonus to end up higher if he signs, closer to SA's $15M.

That's what I'm thinking as well. If he's going to sign for a little less I just don't picture it being with the Cards.

 

[cstu]

A 10 million dollar bonus doesn't seem like enough to get Edge to go to Arizona. It's not low money but he's also not breaking the bank. Brian Williams just got 10 million from the Jags. Seeing as Arizona isn't the most stable franchise I would think they would need to pay a little extra to get a big time RB still in his prime like James to commit to them.

Question...what was Alexander's bonus?

8 years, 62 million with 15 million in bonus and first year salary.

The length and value of the contract is meaningless since SA isn't playing until he's 37. It closer to a 4 year, $30M deal in reality.The only reason the deal was set up that way is so that SA could say that has the largest RB contract in history, bigger than LT's $60M.

 

[cstu]

A 10 million dollar bonus doesn't seem like enough to get Edge to go to Arizona. It's not low money but he's also not breaking the bank. Brian Williams just got 10 million from the Jags. Seeing as Arizona isn't the most stable franchise I would think they would need to pay a little extra to get a big time RB still in his prime like James to commit to them.

Question...what was Alexander's bonus?

8 years, 62 million with 15 million in bonus and first year salary.

How much of the 62 is guaranteed? Is it 15? If so how does that first year breakdown between bonus and salary?

Only the $15M and it includes his 2006 salary.

 

[S.K.A.]

I can see it now....

http://www.azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=788

Defenses, beware.

 

[Sinrman]

If the Cardinals were to sign Edge, they could be a very explosive offense if they can get the QB thing right... Boldin + Fitz + Edge = POINTS!

 

[joffer]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

 

[Otis]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

This is undeniable.

 

[Patoons]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

Not sure I agree. Tough to put 8 in the box with Boldin and Fitz down field. This team could quite difficult to stop if they have these three guys.

 

[mueller54]

Their line sucks. Shipp and Arrington couldn't do anything last year. Not saying those guys are great, but you needs holes in order to run the ball

 

[joffer]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

Not sure I agree. Tough to put 8 in the box with Boldin and Fitz down field. This team could quite difficult to stop if they have these three guys.

they can't run the ball. If there running game just struggled, you could say the line was decent and the RBs were the cause. They literally could not gain positive yardage for long stretches last year. Jim Brown wouldn't change that.

 

[Otis]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

Not sure I agree. Tough to put 8 in the box with Boldin and Fitz down field. This team could quite difficult to stop if they have these three guys.

Your reasoning assumes that he was coming from a situation where there were 8 in the box. It is equally tough (if not tougher?) to put 8 in the box against the Colts pass offense and Peyton Manning. In that sense, he comes from the best offense in the league, with an awesome offensive line. The Cardinals are, at best, a J.V. version of what goes on in Indy. They don't have nearly the cohesion, offensive line, or overall offensive firepower (yes, Boldin and Fitz are awesome, but the Colts have a much deeper collection of threats). The runner for Cards has nowhere near the ceiling that the runner for the Colts has.

Maybe it's harsh to say his value plummets, but I think it is very safe to say it decreases significantly. There is no way he will put up Indy-like numbers in AZ with Kurt the Flirt and that high school level O-line.

 

[Patoons]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

Not sure I agree. Tough to put 8 in the box with Boldin and Fitz down field. This team could quite difficult to stop if they have these three guys.

they can't run the ball. If there running game just struggled, you could say the line was decent and the RBs were the cause. They literally could not gain positive yardage for long stretches last year. Jim Brown wouldn't change that.

So we are comparing Marcel Shipp and JJ Arrington to Edge? Yes, the line is clearly not near Indy's line, but I cannot imagine that he still won't perform.I would think they can focus on an OT with their first pick if they sign Edge- that is ddefinitely some sort of incentive.

 

[Patoons]

Maybe it's harsh to say his value plummets, but I think it is very safe to say it decreases significantly. There is no way he will put up Indy-like numbers in AZ with Kurt the Flirt and that high school level O-line.

This was my point- I think its an exagerrated response to a signing in AZ.

 

[joffer]

Maybe it's harsh to say his value plummets, but I think it is very safe to say it decreases significantly.  There is no way he will put up Indy-like numbers in AZ with Kurt the Flirt and that high school level O-line.

This was my point- I think its an exagerrated response to a signing in AZ.

don't think it's exaggerated at all. Edge is a top 4 pick in Indy. In Arizona, I don't touch him until the end of the second round. That's a significant drop in value.Edit: Arizona average 3.2 YPC last year.....3.2

that's not just bad, that's abysmal.

 

[helix]

Downgrade Rackers if James signs

 

[Wyld Stallyns]

Maybe it's harsh to say his value plummets, but I think it is very safe to say it decreases significantly.  There is no way he will put up Indy-like numbers in AZ with Kurt the Flirt and that high school level O-line.

This was my point- I think its an exagerrated response to a signing in AZ.

don't think it's exaggerated at all. Edge is a top 4 pick in Indy. In Arizona, I don't touch him until the end of the second round. That's a significant drop in value.Edit: Arizona average 3.2 YPC last year.....3.2

that's not just bad, that's abysmal.

If I get Edge at the bottom of the 2nd round next year I'd be very comfortable with that. The fact that he could be on an up and coming team that has a great offense and a stellar passing attack would only make the pick easier. Sure, he's not a sure thing if he goes to AZ, but the bottom of the 2nd would be good value with all things considered.Personally, I think if he signs in 'Zona he'll be picked around the end of the 1st round or start of the 2nd in most leagues.

 

[Otis]

Maybe it's harsh to say his value plummets, but I think it is very safe to say it decreases significantly. There is no way he will put up Indy-like numbers in AZ with Kurt the Flirt and that high school level O-line.

This was my point- I think its an exagerrated response to a signing in AZ.

I think it puts him (perhaps substantially) outside the top 10, which is a big dropoff from where we have seen him over his career.

 

[SSOG]

If the Cardinals were to sign Edge, they could be a very explosive offense if they can get the QB thing right... Boldin + Fitz + Edge = POINTS!

Boldin + Fitz + Edge = NothingBoldin + Fitz + Edge + An O-line that isn't an absolute joke = POINTS!

 

[SammyJankis]

Update: James will stay in Arizona through Sunday.

By Darren Urban, TribuneMarch 11, 2006The Cardinals, getting off to a fast start in free agency, agreed to four-year contracts with former New York Giants defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy and former Houston guard Milford Brown on Saturday.The Cards are also hosting free agent running back Edgerrin James, although his visit will continue into Sunday. The team is pushing hard to get a deal done with James before he leaves town.Coach Dennis Green said he was “hopeful” the two sides could come to a deal. While the franchise and James are in the same ballpark in terms of money, Green said, “it’s a big ballpark.”“Out in outfield, there’s a lot of room between the centerfielder and the rightfielder,” Green said, continuing the anology. “You just hope you can close it.”They didn’t need much time to ink Clancy, whom New York had wanted to retain. But the Cards’ offer, worth $3.5 million in the first year and $8.1 million in total, was better than the Giants and the deal was done early in the day. Terms for Brown’s signing, which took place later in the afternoon, were not known.The Cardinals lost out on one key free-agent target Saturday when guard Kyle Kosier signed with Dallas.

 

[DoctorDetroit]

As a Sehawks fan I don't like this at all.

 

[Patoons]

Maybe it's harsh to say his value plummets, but I think it is very safe to say it decreases significantly. There is no way he will put up Indy-like numbers in AZ with Kurt the Flirt and that high school level O-line.

This was my point- I think its an exagerrated response to a signing in AZ.

don't think it's exaggerated at all. Edge is a top 4 pick in Indy. In Arizona, I don't touch him until the end of the second round. That's a significant drop in value.Edit: Arizona average 3.2 YPC last year.....3.2

that's not just bad, that's abysmal.

So because Shipp and Arrington averaged 3.2 per carry LAST season, Edge is going to average around 3.2? I don't get it.. Yea, the offensive line is not strong, but that doesn't mean he defaults to 3.2 per carry.There is a period of free agency and a draft to address the o-line- I think it's exaggerated, but only time will tell I suppose.

 

[joffer]

Maybe it's harsh to say his value plummets, but I think it is very safe to say it decreases significantly.  There is no way he will put up Indy-like numbers in AZ with Kurt the Flirt and that high school level O-line.

This was my point- I think its an exagerrated response to a signing in AZ.

don't think it's exaggerated at all. Edge is a top 4 pick in Indy. In Arizona, I don't touch him until the end of the second round. That's a significant drop in value.Edit: Arizona average 3.2 YPC last year.....3.2

that's not just bad, that's abysmal.

So because Shipp and Arrington averaged 3.2 per carry LAST season, Edge is going to average around 3.2? I don't get it.. Yea, the offensive line is not strong, but that doesn't mean he defaults to 3.2 per carry.

where did i say he would?

 

[Patoons]

Maybe it's harsh to say his value plummets, but I think it is very safe to say it decreases significantly. There is no way he will put up Indy-like numbers in AZ with Kurt the Flirt and that high school level O-line.

This was my point- I think its an exagerrated response to a signing in AZ.

don't think it's exaggerated at all. Edge is a top 4 pick in Indy. In Arizona, I don't touch him until the end of the second round. That's a significant drop in value.Edit: Arizona average 3.2 YPC last year.....3.2

that's not just bad, that's abysmal.

So because Shipp and Arrington averaged 3.2 per carry LAST season, Edge is going to average around 3.2? I don't get it.. Yea, the offensive line is not strong, but that doesn't mean he defaults to 3.2 per carry.

where did i say he would?

Very much seems to be implied

 

[joffer]

Maybe it's harsh to say his value plummets, but I think it is very safe to say it decreases significantly.  There is no way he will put up Indy-like numbers in AZ with Kurt the Flirt and that high school level O-line.

This was my point- I think its an exagerrated response to a signing in AZ.

don't think it's exaggerated at all. Edge is a top 4 pick in Indy. In Arizona, I don't touch him until the end of the second round. That's a significant drop in value.Edit: Arizona average 3.2 YPC last year.....3.2

that's not just bad, that's abysmal.

So because Shipp and Arrington averaged 3.2 per carry LAST season, Edge is going to average around 3.2? I don't get it.. Yea, the offensive line is not strong, but that doesn't mean he defaults to 3.2 per carry.

where did i say he would?

Very much seems to be implied

his average the last 3 years in Indy was 4.3. I could see Arizona dragging that down to around 3.7-3.8. His value would take a significant hit. If I owned Edge in a dynasty and this deal happens, I'd be

 

[SammyJankis]

ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the two free agents the cards signed took Edge to the Suns game tonight. Sounding good....

 

[Noahs Troopers]

Downgrade Rackers if James signs

Not so fast. Many times on 3rd and 1 from the 50 the Cards couldn't convert, thus punt. If Edge can get that yard then they can stall at the 30 yard line instead. Upgrade Rackers.

 

[SSOG]

Downgrade Rackers if James signs

Not so fast. Many times on 3rd and 1 from the 50 the Cards couldn't convert, thus punt. If Edge can get that yard then they can stall at the 30 yard line instead. Upgrade Rackers.

You can't upgrade Rackers, anymore than you could upgrade Peyton Manning after 2004.Every once in a while a player achieves such a ridiculously high statistical level that they have no place to go but down.

 

[azgroover]

ProFootballTalk.com is reporting that the two free agents the cards signed took Edge to the Suns game tonight. Sounding good....

I can confirm this. I was at the Suns game up in the Lexus Club and saw Edge and Boldin sitting with a handful of about 7 other players. Those two were the only two I recognized though. It's encouraging that he didn't visit and bolt out of town right away.

 

[Demons]

In a PPR league he was the #5 RB last year. I see him dropping to #8 to #10 RB in the same PPR format. That is a drop from 310 points over 16 games to 231 to 250 points. A net drop of 60 to 80 points.

Not horrifying, but it does drop him from mid-first round in a redraft to early to mid-second round.

Realistically, his value should have already been discounted by most, based upon his age and contract status.

Shop him for Portis or Rudy Johnson, if you can. Better upside with those two, in my opinion, and others may still jump on Edge because of his performance this past season relative to Portis and Johnson.

 

[Phlash]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

Not sure I agree. Tough to put 8 in the box with Boldin and Fitz down field. This team could quite difficult to stop if they have these three guys.

It would be just like when he was in Indianapolis. Except Kurt Warner < Peyton Manning... although it would be funny to see Kurt's career turn around and watch him become an explosive top 2 QB again, making Edge's value skyrocket

 

[-OZ-]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

Not sure I agree. Tough to put 8 in the box with Boldin and Fitz down field. This team could quite difficult to stop if they have these three guys.

It would be just like when he was in Indianapolis. Except Kurt Warner < Peyton Manning... although it would be funny to see Kurt's career turn around and watch him become an explosive top 2 QB again, making Edge's value skyrocket

Peyton > WarnerEven if we consider the WRs equal

Indy OL >>> AZ OL

Bump Edge down in Indy, but not quite out of the top 10.

 

[Mr. Vegas]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

Not sure I agree. Tough to put 8 in the box with Boldin and Fitz down field. This team could quite difficult to stop if they have these three guys.

It would be just like when he was in Indianapolis. Except Kurt Warner < Peyton Manning... although it would be funny to see Kurt's career turn around and watch him become an explosive top 2 QB again, making Edge's value skyrocket

Peyton > WarnerEven if we consider the WRs equal

Indy OL >>> AZ OL

Bump Edge down in Indy, but not quite out of the top 10.

'Indy OL >>> AZ OL' Really did you ask P. Manning?

 

[Mr. Vegas]

Downgrade Rackers  if James signs

Not so fast. Many times on 3rd and 1 from the 50 the Cards couldn't convert, thus punt. If Edge can get that yard then they can stall at the 30 yard line instead. Upgrade Rackers.

Edge will get that yard, as long as Cards aren't playing N.E.

 

[Sopranos]

He wont stay in Indy for that little. I cant see him going there for that. remember this is his last contract.....Im live in Indy and im not one of the people that think we NEED to keep Edge and that he is the best RB for the Colts BUT he can do better than this.

 

[Traders2001]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

Not sure I agree. Tough to put 8 in the box with Boldin and Fitz down field. This team could quite difficult to stop if they have these three guys.

It would be just like when he was in Indianapolis. Except Kurt Warner < Peyton Manning... although it would be funny to see Kurt's career turn around and watch him become an explosive top 2 QB again, making Edge's value skyrocket

Peyton > WarnerEven if we consider the WRs equal

Indy OL >>> AZ OL

Bump Edge down in Indy, but not quite out of the top 10.

'Indy OL >>> AZ OL' Really did you ask P. Manning?

Except that without James in the indy backfield , Manning wont have as much time to throw a will end up on his butt often and maybe get injured .While on the opposite Arizona with Edge in the backfield will give Warner more time to throw and help the OL .I think Warner has better numbers then Manning next year if Edge signs .

The guy is a great blocker as well as a runner and pass receiver .

Dont think you will replace Edge easily cause they might end up out of the playoff with manning on the IR.

Plus no rookie they would draft this year would help them right away .

Dont tell me a Addai or Maroney can step in and replace Edge ( Indy will be sorry if they lose him )

If i was the Colts i would try to sign Jamal Lewis if they lose Edge then they would not lose so much .

 

[-OZ-]

what does this do to James' value if he is a Card?

plummets

Not sure I agree. Tough to put 8 in the box with Boldin and Fitz down field. This team could quite difficult to stop if they have these three guys.

It would be just like when he was in Indianapolis. Except Kurt Warner < Peyton Manning... although it would be funny to see Kurt's career turn around and watch him become an explosive top 2 QB again, making Edge's value skyrocket

Peyton > WarnerEven if we consider the WRs equal

Indy OL >>> AZ OL

Bump Edge down in Indy, but not quite out of the top 10.

'Indy OL >>> AZ OL' Really did you ask P. Manning?

Except that without James in the indy backfield , Manning wont have as much time to throw a will end up on his butt often and maybe get injured .While on the opposite Arizona with Edge in the backfield will give Warner more time to throw and help the OL .I think Warner has better numbers then Manning next year if Edge signs .

The guy is a great blocker as well as a runner and pass receiver .

Dont think you will replace Edge easily cause they might end up out of the playoff with manning on the IR.

Plus no rookie they would draft this year would help them right away .

Dont tell me a Addai or Maroney can step in and replace Edge ( Indy will be sorry if they lose him )

If i was the Colts i would try to sign Jamal Lewis if they lose Edge then they would not lose so much .

Why would I ask Peyton about run blocking? Agreed, Edge is a difference maker. I'm not sure that Jamal is the answer there. Good runner, but does he catch or block well?

I don't think there's anyone available that could replace Edge, unless somehow Indy manages to draft Deangelo Williams.

I'm not so sure that Warner will produce better stats than Peyton, but it isn't as outlandish to think, as before.

 

[zamboni]

I think Edge in Arizona would be a sharp upgrade from Arrington and Shipp (not saying much obviously), but a meaningful dip from his Indy numbers.

I just can't see him putting up the numbers he did in the machine we call the Indy offense. Still, by the sheer number of touches he'd get, I think he'd be a virtual lock for top 10.

 

[Sinrman]

I think Edge in Arizona would be a sharp upgrade from Arrington and Shipp (not saying much obviously), but a meaningful dip from his Indy numbers.

I just can't see him putting up the numbers he did in the machine we call the Indy offense. Still, by the sheer number of touches he'd get, I think he'd be a virtual lock for top 10.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

I guess money IS more important than a championship because he will never win one playing there,at least not during his tenure .

 

[fruity pebbles]

I guess money IS more important than a championship because he will never win one playing there,at least not during his tenure .

Do you blame him? Indy's done nothing this offseason to make him feel welcome. I'd take the money as well, look at for myself first.

 

[yetiknight]

In fantasy terms, Edge will still flirt with the top five running backs next year if he signs in Arizona. If he stays healthy all year, he has the ability to be very close to his Indy numbers. The Indy o-line is not a great run-blocking line. They are actually more known for their ability to keep the rush off of Manning. Despite their poor playoff performance, Manning has been one of the least sacked qb's throughout his career, especially the last two or three seasons.

Edge is/was a big part of the Indy pass protection. That is one of the most important factors if he signs with Arizona. Combined with his pass catching ability and the fact that defenses will be backing off the line of scrimmage to defend those receivers, Egde has high potential. More importantly, Arizona has a shot at being a playoff contender.

I believe Edge would almost guarantee them a .500 record next year. I would predict they just miss the playoffs though.