After weeks of negotiations, which drew the ire of many, the Arizona Cardinals have agreed to terms with their franchise quarterback, Kurt Warner. Earlier Wednesday, in fact, mere minutes before the ESPN report, I took the Cardinals to task for messing around with Warner. He's obviously the most valuable player for the team that just went to the first Super Bowl in the its franchise historyWednesday afternoon, according to ESPN's John Clayton, the Cardinals accepted Warner's counter-offer, signing him to a two-year, $23 million deal. The deal includes a $15 million up-front signing bonus, and a $4 million annual salary.
With the Cardinals housing some serious room under the salary cap, Warner signing for a discount and Edgerrin James likely to be granted his walking papers at some point in the offseason, the Cardinals should have enough money to increase the salary of Anquan Boldin. This would pave the way for the key parts of the high-octane offense to return to Phoenix in 2009.
NFL Free Agents
Kurt Warner, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
RE-SIGNED WITH ARIZONA - Two years, $23 million
The Latest: After a lengthy negotiation, Warner finally came back to the defending NFC champion Cardinals.
Matt Slocum, AP
Albert Haynesworth, Defensive tackle, Tennessee Titans
SIGNED WITH WASHINGTON - Seven years, $100 million
The Latest: Just hours after becoming an eligible free agent, Haynesworth agreed to a monster deal with Washington.
Mark Humphrey, AP
Jonathan Vilma, Linebacker, New Orleans Saints
RE-SIGNED WITH SAINTS - Five years, $34 million
The Latest: The Saints couldn't afford to lose their defensive leader, and made sure that wouldn't happen with a nice contract.
Reed Hoffmann, AP
Jason Brown, Center, Baltimore Ravens
SIGNED WITH ST. LOUIS - Five years, $37.5 million
The Latest: Brown didn't get the contract offer he was seeking from the Ravens, so he will head south to anchor the Rams line.
Scott Boehm, Getty Images
Bart Scott, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
SIGNED WITH JETS - Six years, $48 million
The Latest: After a confusing dance between Baltimore and New York, Scott finally landed a long-term deal with the Jets.
G. Newman Lowrance, Getty Images
Kerry Collins, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
RE-SIGNED WITH TENNESSEE - Two years, $15 million
The Latest: Collins wanted big money in what will likely be his last contract year. He got it, so the Titans can keep waiting on Vince Young's development.
Scott Boehm, Getty Images
DeAngelo Hall, Cornerback, Washington Redskins
RE-SIGNED WITH WASHINGTON - Six years, $54 million
The Latest: For the second time in his young career, Hall received a massive deal, this time from big-spending Washington.
Nick Wass, AP
Chris Kemoeatu, Guard, Pittsburgh Steelers
RE-SIGNED WITH STEELERS - Five years, $20 million
The Latest: Despite rumors claiming he was headed to the Jets, Kemoeatu decided to stick with the Steelers, a boost for their mediocre offensive line.
Paul Spinelli, Getty Images
Nnamdi Asomugha, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders
RE-SIGNED WITH OAKLAND - Three years, $45.3 million
The Latest: One of the NFL's brightest young stars, Asomugha inked a gigantic contract to stay in Oakland.
Greg Trott, Getty Images
Julius Peppers, Defensive end
FRANCHISE TAG USED BY PANTHERS
The Latest: Despite his expressed wishes, Peppers was tagged by Carolina. He'll make nearly $17 million next season, but the Panthers will have to work out a trade for him to leave.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-04-2009 @ 2:45PM
d_average said...
Prediction: Arizona will NOT make the playoffs next year.
Reply
3-04-2009 @ 3:12PM
A. J. said...
C'mon, they'll make it. They'll just lose in the first round.
Reply
3-04-2009 @ 4:26PM
Ibarra30 said...
with the weak divison they are in they will make the playoffs and as long as all key players stay healthy i see them at least making it to the divisonal round maybe the conf. champ. game. dont count them out
Reply
3-04-2009 @ 7:44PM
ted said...
The Cardinals don't deserve a class act like Warner!
Reply