Kitna's a Lion (1 Viewer)

[dickey moe]

kitna = speed.

I think this post belongs in this thread.

 

[blend]

Joey has asked for a trade. I smell something else happening.

Where did you hear this?

Link to it, please, Bankerguy.

I've looked everywhere I can think and I have not heard any mention of Joey requesting a trade since the new regime has taken over. In fact, I remember reading that Joey was pleased with the way he's been handled by them???

I guess Bankerguy may be right... I was reading the highlight reel of Kowalski's conversation on detroit sports radio (Kowalski is a beat writer) and he was surmising that Joey may be gone. Things did not go well with Joey and Martz and that Joey may be 'done' in Detroit. http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/highlightreel..._03.html#121395Some of the highlights...

Killer WDFN Notes: Harrington's likely done in Detroit

In his column this morning Tom Kowalski says Joey Harrington may be ready to jump ship because of Mike Martz's rough personality. He goes further on Sports Radio 1130 Detroit. Much, much further. He thinks Joey Harrington wants out, badly. The Lions know this, and may finally be willing to accomodate.

* Joey's not happy? Killer says he's not. This goes way back. This has more to do with Martz than Harrington. This goes back to the Dre Bly thing where he was made a scapegoat. It's clear that Harrington doesn't want to be in Detroit, and he wants nothing to do with the Lions. Even though they signed Jon Kitna they're still talking with Josh McCown.

* As for the talk that the Saints don't need a QB now that they got Drew Brees, Kowalski says that's not necessarily so. Brees signed what is essentially a one-year contract. The Lions could move up to get one of those young stud QBs in the draft. And if they get Josh McCown, then Harrington is definitely gone.

* "From what I'm hearing right now, I would be stunned if Joey Harrington is on the roster June 15. That's when they have to pay him a $4 million roster bonus, and I don't think that's going to happen."

* Has Joey asked to be traded? Tom says there's no question that he's made it clear that he doesn't want to be in Detroit. The new coaches knew that coming in. During whole QB school last week, it was important for Martz and Harrington to have a dialogue. "That did not go well." There is an element of truth to the rumors out there that it didn't work out, but the rumor said there was a rift between Harrington and Martz. That's not true. This is more about Harrington than Martz.

* Why would McCown come here if they have Kitna? Is it simply that both believe they're better than the other guy, and would battle it out? Killer says yes, exactly. The Lions would want a healthy competition. McCown is six or seven years younger than Kitna, and they'd hope he takes over. But, Kitna's comment [to the Cincinnati Enquirer] about "they haven't sorted it out yet" with Harrington just says everything. He knows Harrington wants out, Tom believes. He must know that they're going to bring in McCown, and have confidence he can beat him out. Or they'd draft someone he'd help groom. He wouldn't come here with a solid No. 1.

* Is this a symbol of this being Rod Marinelli's team than Millen's team? Kowalski says yes, this is Marinelli's team, but this thing with Harrington has been building for months. This goes back to the Bly comments. This has less to do with Mike Martz than it does with Harrington. This has nothing to do with who the coach is. He knows there are people who don't believe in him or like him, so he wants out. He knows he can't win their hearts and minds. There was a point where the Lions were hoping he'd change his mind, but they must now believe it's time to give up.

* Why would Cincinnati not want to bring Kitna back with Carson Palmer's injury? Tom says Kitna knew he'd be a backup forever, and he wants a chance to compete. That brings us back to the Harrington thing. He must know he will compete for the top spot.

* Caller asks if the Lions can't get McCown, what then? What about Patrick Ramsey? Killer says if no McCown then look to the draft, maybe Ramsey, possibly a trade with Tennessee for Billy Volek. Although that's unlikely. If they think Kitna is strictly a backup, they will eventually get a starter. But they like Kitna for the short-term as a starter. They believe they can win with Kitna. They won't be pressured to make a move now.

* Who is a possible suitor for Harrington if he's dumped? Kowalski says a lot of teams will look at him as a backup. Harrington is in a different place now. He's got his money. He just wants to build and prosper and play football. He wants to prove he can play. That's more of a driving force. A good team with good coaches. The question is -- when he goes in to start, can he do it?

* Caller asks if Joey wanted out, or the Lions wanted him out? Tom says the Lions are not surprised this has happened. They were hoping he'd have a change of heart, feel refreshed with a new coaching staff. They knew it might not happen, so they've been preparing for this. This isn't about the Lions not wanting Harrington. He says he doesn't want to be here, he's made that clear. Tom's personal belief that Harrington won't be back.

* Matt Shepard asks if they're waiting to move him so they could get his replacement in? Kowalski says no one knows if they're ready to cut the cord with Harrington yet. Clearly Kitna was told he'd be able to compete for the starting job, which flies in the face of what we were told earlier that Harrington was the starter. Millen was hoping he'd be rejuvinated by the new coaching staff, and that has not happened.

* Jamie says, sarcastically, once they make up their mind to cut someone they'll do it. They won't let someone twist in the wind. Killer says they won't keep him up to the due date of the $4 million roster bonus he's due. it's still possible that Millen may not be ready to give up on Harrington. "He may say 'You know what, I'm not getting rid of this guy. I still think there's hope.' But I'm telling you, it's not from the Lions point, it's from Harrington's point. He does not want to be here. From the things I'm hearing, that's not going to change."

ETA: Didn't see the other thread covering this..

 

[Birdie048]

WOW.... nice read. I have an option of keeping Kitna this season (names due 3/19), and I was toying with Kitna as QB's are almost as valuable as RB's.

But, I have an issue.... Martz was involved in bringing in Kitna and his signing. Is Martz still trying to play Harrington as "QB1"? With the strong sentiments that Joey is expressing on wanting out of Detroit, why would they keep him (think TO lockerroom turd)??

Kitna is a stable QB who would help the Lions win some games. They have the talent already in the skill positions. They need a leader. Kitna is clearly a solid leader. He is not a flashy high upside fantasy QB. He makes quick reads, has good control and commands the offense. He is a smart and dedicated player. Harrington was too rattled too often. Kitna experienced the poor O-line play in Cinn already and knows what to expect. He has the smarts to quicken his release when pressured. Kitna is a short-mid range accurate passer. Not the flashy bombs like Culp-R Moss have shown the division.

IMO, Kitna is a 2 year starter with a development project of a Rookie QB drafted for him to mentor. They will follow the Carson Palmer route already demonstrated. They took the only piece of the puzzle they could get and repeat it.

Who Det takes in the draft at 1.09? Leinart will be gone. If they can trade up to get Cuttler, he's their target. Otherwise, it will be Brady Quinn in 2007 Draft.

I like Kitna as a solid QB2, but not a Top 5 in 2006.