Kurt Warner Headed to Free Agency

Logic dictated that, after the Cardinals hit Karlos Dansby with the franchise tag, Arizona had some sort of unspoken agreement to sign Kurt Warner quickly after he became a free agent.

Additionally, it's widely known that Warner told the team he wanted to stay with the Cardinals after this year. But that didn't stop the Arizona from, presumably, leveraging Warner's wishes into him taking less money. One problem: Warner hasn't caved. And now Adam Schefter is reporting that there won't be anything done by midnight either, making the quarterback an unrestricted free agent.

That's not to say that both sides didn't try; Mark Bartlestein, Warner's agent, has been speaking with the Cards' front office all week, and the talks were stepped up today until it became obvious a deal wasn't getting done.

This begs the question: "What in the name of Brian St. Pierre are the Cardinals doing?" Arizona just went to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. Warner, despite the amazing nature of Larry Fitzgerald's post-season and the Cardinals' underrated defense, is the guy that got them there.

Is he the solution for the long term? No, he is not. But neither is Matt Leinart, and last I checked, if the Cardinals can't lock Warner up, it's either him or St. Pierre taking snaps. And, yeah, something might get done, but it's hard to imagine the Cardinals will have much "retirement" leverage with other teams lobbing bigger contracts Warner's way.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-26-2009 @ 10:27PM

Bob said...

You certainly can't lay this whole mess on the Cardinals. I am a big Kurt Warner fan, but I am extremely surprised and disappointed that he has allowed this to turn into a bidding war. Just a few weeks ago, Kurt and his agent were honestly considering a 2-year, $18 million offer (if the reports were accurate), and Warner has also stated that retaining Boldin was a high priority--but how do you sign two top players if one seems to be hogging all the money available? I never expected this out of Kurt. His agent must be cut from the same cloth as Boras and Rosenhaus.

2-26-2009 @ 10:44PM

Fred said...

The Cards had better get something put together quickly because some team like the Vikings or even the Bears will be more than happy to make the trip with Kurt to next years Super Bowl. I think that he could possibly WIN IT ALL with either of those teams--especially the Vikes. The main drawback, of course, would be no Larry Fitzgerald.

2-26-2009 @ 10:58PM

rnb2rde said...

Now you are getting the the Suns management? How sad For the first time in franchise history the cardinals get to the Superbowl and you don't want to pay him the money he is woth? matt leinheart should be the free agent he hasn't done one dam thing for Az except fall into the same category as as the Charles barkleys and fredericksons and all the others whom think they can walk on water.

Please Kurt not only has talent and alot of years left.. he has charisma character and never will there be another NFL player with the steadfastness of his personality and humbleness in all his actions.. Don't say you are surprised at Kurt I don't believe he seeks the higher pay as well as his agent.

kurt is a man of christlike ways and not fearful to s speak his beliefs values and morals through his every action

I hope the NFL will develop as well as all of the Sporting world develop more athlets of such stature and character as this man

The caedinals to even make or be thinking of other plans "shame on you" and don't forget who got you where you are.. It surely wasn't the top owners and management..

I applaud and support you Kurt and thank you for the man you are in Christ through your every action and example

God bless you and your family..

soulcitysigma1914 said...

LOL, WHAT ON EARTH?!?!?!?!? The NFC West is going to be sorry again next year; with Warner, those guys are going to cake their way right into the playoffs again and be better rested than all the other teams just like they were this year. But they need their seasoned, playoff experienced passer to do it!!!

I know one thing, if Delhomme had gotten us to our second Super Bowl this year, Foxy woulda had him extended to his 65th birthday

2-26-2009 @ 11:07PM

dukesplacepme said...

PAY HIM --- PAY HIM --- PAAAYY HIMMM!!!!!!! He is remarkable on and off the field...

2-27-2009 @ 12:16AM

checks2rex said...

If there is one single player in this league that embodies class, it is Kurt Warner...with Larry Fitzgerald being a close second...The Cardinals cannot seriously be considering allowing this tandem to split apart... If they do, then they deserve to return to the ranks of the ridiculed...Kurt has also been quick to point out that he will PRAY about his future and do what he feels GOD would lead him to do...He may walk away from whomever waves the biggest check IF he feels he is 'led' to do so...With Kurt, it may not ONLY be about money, prestige, fame, and legacy...He may (much like Tony Dungee) believe there are bigger things in life...