That's probably not the most accurate title for this post, but it's catchy as hell, so I'll go with it. By now you probably know that Arizona gave up a starting Pro Bowl corner, a 2nd round pick in next year's draft, and $20 million in guaranteed money to put Kevin Kolb in a Cardinals uniform this season. It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, given how any sports pundit with access to a computer has written about it these last 4 months. The question is, did Arizona pay too much for an unproven product?
Let me first say that anyone they brought in would've been an improvement over last year's quarterbacking debacle. Hell, Jim Abbott could have at least gotten a start or two. But all summer I've had my doubts about Kolb, especially given the cost to acquire him. My choice was Carson Palmer,since he is a talented, proven veteran who probably wouldn't have cost as much, and could bridge the gap until John Skelton is ready to take over in a year or two. But, since Bengals owner Mike Brown has no interest in improving his team in any way, the idea of Carson Palmer coming to Glendale was just a pipe dream.
Which brings us to Kolb. As I said, I was against it from the get-go, if for no other reason than he is unproven, and I think John Skelton can be a solid quarterback. But it wasn't until I wrote the previous sentence that it occurred me how hypocritical my thinking is. Skelton doesn't even have the resume that Kevin Kolb does, but a lot of us have talked about how good he will be. Did I miss something? If we can see Skelton in 4 games and predict his future, how can we be so unsure of Kolb after 7 games? What I'm trying to say is, this is a total crapshoot. Kolb will be one of three things: a superstar, a solid QB, or a turd. After stepping off the ledge and drinking some red Kool-Aid, I honestly believe he can be a solid QB, especially in the NFC West. And if he doesn't pan out? Then John Skelton gets a chance to be the perennial Pro Bowler we all know he can be.
Now, as for the farm Arizona had to mortgage to get Kolb to the desert, I'm looking at it a couple different ways. As Mike Sando so perfectly noted in his blog earlier today, the price of the deal is "highly overrated. If the Cardinals are right on Kolb, the price won't matter. If they're wrong, the damage done will far outweigh a 185-pound cornerback and the draft pick Arizona included with the deal." I tend to agree with this assessment. The team needed a signal caller, and they went and got one. To be honest, DRC didn't look very good last year, but neither did the defense in general. All told, I guess I can live with this trade, especially if the team wins the West.
My bigger concern in this matter is the rest of free agency. While the Cards have made a couple solid pickups already, there are a couple holes to fill and a couple linemen to re-sign. I like the Daryn Colledge and Jeff King signings, but if the team doesn't bring back Deuce Lutui and Lyle Sendlein, they haven't gained a single thing. Also, regarding the hole left by DRC's departure, I'd be happy with Antonio Cromartie or Nate Clements. Unfortunately, I don't think the team is looking that route. While Patrick Peterson has stud written all over him, he has a steep learning curve ahead of him. And Greg Toler makes me nervous as a starting corner. A good FA pickup fills the roster here well.
As for WR, there is a less pressing need there. Since Steve Breaston isn't coming back, we are looking at Andre Roberts as a number 2 WR, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's still a bit early for him. I'd like to see Malcolm Floyd or James Jones come in, but I'm guessing the front office will find a serviceable veteran to bring in at a reasonable price. Given a probable commitment to the ground game this year, I don't really see the need to overpay for a number 2 WR, when there are some good options on the roster already.
As for my opinion of it all, I think the Kolb trade will work, especially if the Cards pick up another CB in free agency. We have no choice at this point but to think it will.
Thoughts?
