Reggie Wells Traded to Eagles
Arizona Cardinals’ veteran guard Reggie Wells has been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for an undisclosed draft pick. Reports say it will most likely be a sixth-round pick in 2011.
The trade will allow Deuce Lutui to reclaim his starting position, as well as dump Wells’ $2.4 million contract.
With final cuts being made on Saturday, this may allow one more player to find a spot that might have been cut. The only thing left for the Cardinals to decided is whether or not they will cut or trade Matt Leinart.
Dockett Signs 4-year Extension
The Arizona Cardinals announced on Wednesday that they have signed the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to a four-year extension worth up to $48 million, with $30 million guaranteed. His current contract is now extended to 2015.
“The thing that has really made it so apparent that we wanted to get this deal done was his growth as a player and as a person,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. Dockett has developed his game to become one of the best at his position, and he finally has the contract to back it up.
Since the 2007 season where he recorded nine sacks in sixteen starts, Dockett has had continuous success at his position. With his performance came the desire for a contract that reflected his play, showing this by sitting out of the 2009 training camp. Now with his contract in place Dockett can leave it all behind and work to get the Cardinals back into the playoffs.
Dockett decided to leave all the contract issues to his agent this preseason. Today in the press conference he said, “Once I put my helmet on and shoulder pads, I can honestly tell you I really didn’t think about contract. I just focused on football and believed they could get it done.”
With the final preseason game tonight at 7pm against the Washington Redskins, all of Dockett’s focus can continue to stay with football. No more negations, media rants about what he deserves or holding out on training camps – Dockett got what he wanted and now can only do one thing, help his team play the best defense possible for them to succeed.
Three Teams Interested In Leinart
League sources have indicated that Matt Leinart is being sought out by the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills.
After recent speculation that the Cardinals were considering cutting Leinart it, now seems that after four years it is time for Matt Leinart and the Cardinals to move on. It could have been the system he was uncomfortable with or he just isn’t NFL quality. With suitors like the Giants, Raiders and Bills knocking at the door the team may be better off trading Leinart before it is too late. Leinart may be better off in Seattle as well, although in the same division as the Cardinals, he may benefit from playing under Pete Carroll again.
Leinart’s three performances in preseason play has lead his fellow teammates to believe he is not qualified enough to lead a team to victory each and every game. He did complete 80.8% of his passes, but was never able to lead the starters to early points.
Derek Anderson’s play, as well as the rookies Max Hall and John Skelton, have proven that they are ready to take over for Leinart’s lack of leadership and stellar play. Anderson will bring his past Pro Bowl experience and solidify his spot as the team’s starter each night. He may be able to rejuvenate his career as Kurt Warner did when he was able to have the weapons the team still has.
Once again, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt has decided to start Derek Anderson instead of Leinart in Thursday’s preseason finale.
Derek Anderson To Start Saturday Against Bears
After only two preseason games, Matt Leinart has lost his starting quarterback job once again. Coach Ken Whisenhunt stated that Derek Anderson will start Saturday night against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
This move could be temporary, but right now Coach Whisenhunt is most likely testing the waters to see if he can shake up his starting offense and get some early points.
Leinart will eventually play the second quarter.
In 2008, Leinart lost his starting job to Kurt Warner during preseason play and since has never been able to solidify the position. His inability to throw consistent and get in the same time with his wide receivers has been a main concern of the coaches. Although Anderson has had the same struggles to a lesser extent, seeing more time on the field has benefited him to be able to start Saturday afternoon.
Is this the last chance Leinart will get before it is time for the organization to move on?
He stated during last weekend’s game that his confidence isn’t bothered, but after a another possible demotion it’s hard to not see how it hasn’t been affected.
Anderson will look to revert to his play that got him on the Pro Bowl in 2008. Having Steve Breaston, Early Doucet, and Larry Fitzgerald to his left and right, as well as Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower behind him could make the transition easy if he is able to steal the starting spot.
The game will start at 5:30 PM MST and can be seen locally on ABC-15.
Kurt Warner Will Join Fox As Analyst
Former Arizona Cardinals and future Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner has decided to come out of retirement. He has moved to the booth as a analyst for FOX this upcoming season.
His first game in the booth as an analyst will be for his former team Arizona Cardinals when they host the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints on October 10.
This will most likely be an easy transtition for Warner as he seemed to be very comfortable in front of a camera before, at half time, or after a game. He will be able to provide a personal look into the Cardinals team without him, as well as help fans get a better perspective of what is exactly happening on the field.
Former Seahawks and Falcons coach Jim Mora is also joining Fox as an analyst this season.
