For the Hartwell Dreamers, a AZ Tidbit...

[nychief]

Cap space nears limit after deal for Griffith

Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 9, 2005 12:00 AM

After a whirlwind five days that included five free-agent signings, the Cardinals expect the pace to slow considerably.

"I anticipate that the foot on the accelerator is going to seem lighter now," said Rod Graves, the team's vice president of football operations.

The Cardinals agreed to terms Tuesday on a two-year contract with safety Robert Griffith. Griffith, 34, started 16 games last year for Cleveland and played for coach Dennis Green in Minnesota.
With the additions of Griffith, quarterback Kurt Warner, offensive tackle Oliver Ross, defensive end Chike Okeafor and running back Troy Hambrick, the Cardinals are approaching their free-agent budget of $15 million in cap space.
"The thing we're excited about is we have bolstered ourselves in a number of areas," Graves said. "We have an offensive line that we believe can be in place for us for a long time. We still have a couple of positions we'd like to add, but I think the depth on our team is probably better than it's been in a number of years."

Graves doesn't anticipate additional big names signing, but the team could add four to five more players at reasonable prices.

That would seem to rule out the chance of signing middle linebacker Ed Hartwell, a free agent from Baltimore.

Hartwell's agent, Harold Lewis, said Tuesday that Arizona was Hartwell's first choice but that he had yet to receive an offer from the Cardinals.

Graves declined to comment, but there's a belief among some teams that Hartwell is pricing himself out of the market. Kansas City was interested in him but instead opted for Kendrell Bell.

[Gaz]

In this case, no news is good news.

xoxo~
Gaz
Playing the waiting game.

[Bowser]

Does anyone have the numbers we offered Hartwell? If I'm not mistaken, that offer is still on the table.

[Gaz]

From KFFL.com:

Len Pasquarelli, of ESPN.com, reports the Atlanta Falcons are quietly in the running for free agent LB Ed Hartwell (Ravens), but his price is probably too high for the team.

http://www.kffl.com/hotw/nfl


xoxo~
Gaz
Hopes quoting himself does not make him blind.

[Coach]

Hartwell's agent, Harold Lewis, said Tuesday that Arizona was Hartwell's first choice but that he had yet to receive an offer from the Cardinals.

Did this phrase stood out the most? I thought this dude said that KC was actually the first choice? :shrug:

[bricks]

Guys hate to break it to ya, we ain't signing Hartwell. Our focus and attention is towards the CB position. We won't be able to afford Hartwell after signing Bell/Knight/CB-Surtain/Law/????.....Even though I want Hartwell, I think it is a safe bet that the Chiefs are doing the right thing by going after a CB, it is more of a priority. We still have our 1st round draft pick, so, we should use that pick on a OLB.

[wolfpack0735]

Did this phrase stood out the most? I thought this dude said that KC was actually the first choice? :shrug:
he probably says that everywhere he goes to get the price up.

[nychief]

Guys hate to break it to ya, we ain't signing Hartwell. Our focus and attention is towards the CB position. We won't be able to afford Hartwell after signing Bell/Knight/CB-Surtain/Law/????.....Even though I want Hartwell, I think it is a safe bet that the Chiefs are doing the right thing by going after a CB, it is more of a priority. We still have our 1st round draft pick, so, we should use that pick on a OLB.
:clap: :clap:

[ILChief]

I'm tired of hearing about Hartwell. I wish he'd sign somewhere. If we get him, fine, I think he will help. If he goes somewhere else, that's OK too. I just am sick of reading millions on Hartwell topics on every Chiefs BB. Now that we have Bell, Hartwell is a luxury not a necessity.

[htismaqe]

Guys hate to break it to ya, we ain't signing Hartwell. Our focus and attention is towards the CB position. We won't be able to afford Hartwell after signing Bell/Knight/CB-Surtain/Law/????.....Even though I want Hartwell, I think it is a safe bet that the Chiefs are doing the right thing by going after a CB, it is more of a priority. We still have our 1st round draft pick, so, we should use that pick on a OLB.

If Derrick Johnson is gone, what OLB are you going to pick in round 1?

[nychief]

the chiefs are not persuing Ed Hartwell.

[CoMoChief]

The LB from Maryland Merriman I think is his name.

[bricks]

If Derrick Johnson is gone, what OLB are you going to pick in round 1?

Well, there's no question he's the best one available. And, I'm almost certain that, he will be gone by the time we pick. He is just too darn good of a prospect to go to 15th. We can trade up to get him? I am not too fond of that idea, would rather keep our picks, since we don't have a 3rd :banghead:
ummm...now to get to your question, I really really like Kevin Burnett's game, I'm fan of Channing Crowder, Daryl Blackstock is ok, then you got Demarcus Ware, and, I think he's more likely to go in round 2. Johnson will be gone by the time we pick, and, if it comes down to the rest of these guys, I like either Burnett or Crowder. how about youyself?

[PastorMikH]

Did this phrase stood out the most? I thought this dude said that KC was actually the first choice? :shrug:



Yeah, I caught that too. Obviously, his first choice is whatever team he thinks will pay him what he wants.

I also find it interesting that all the speculation about the Cardinals biddig against the Chiefs and that statement clearly said he has yet to recieve an offer from the Cardinals. :hmmm:



I'm getting to the point where I don't really want him.

[1adam1238]

how bout Rudd in the 2nd round

[htismaqe]

Well, there's no question he's the best one available. And, I'm almost certain that, he will be gone by the time we pick. He is just too darn good of a prospect to go to 15th. We can trade up to get him? I am not too fond of that idea, would rather keep our picks, since we don't have a 3rd :banghead:
ummm...now to get to your question, I really really like Kevin Burnett's game, I'm fan of Channing Crowder, Daryl Blackstock is ok, then you got Demarcus Ware, and, I think he's more likely to go in round 2. Johnson will be gone by the time we pick, and, if it comes down to the rest of these guys, I like either Burnett or Crowder. how about youyself?

The more I research Kevin Burnett, the more he looks like Key Fox coming out of college. Crowder is a MLB, and Blackstock is pass rush specialist. I don't think we really need either.

And all of those guys will be 2nd-rounders or later.

[htismaqe]

how bout Rudd in the 2nd round

Ruud you mean, out of Nebraska? Isn't he a MLB?

[htismaqe]

The LB from Maryland Merriman I think is his name.

LB/DE tweener, better suited for 3-4, IMO.

Not a productive use of our 1st-round pick, IMO.

We need a MLB.

[PastorMikH]

We need a MLB.


Isn't Bell supposed to be playing MLB?

[htismaqe]

Isn't Bell supposed to be playing MLB?

My bad.

We need a WSLB.

[bricks]

My bad.

We need a WSLB.

Definately. I agree. And, I don't want to see or hear Barber's name again. I liked your points on the LB's I mentioned previously couldn't have said it better. So, what'd you think is the best solution to solve our WSLB position? Cause it is a glaring weakness on our team, and, lets be realistic, we are not getting Derrick Johnson. Maybe we'll have a training camp battle between Fox, Mitchell, and, Beisel? Jamie Sharper is a great solution to the WLB, and, we can't afford him if we acquire Surtain or Law. this is going to be a tough position to solidify. And, I hope the Chiefs don't treat it like it is some sort of flash in the pan.

[Chan93lx50]

I am beginging to believe that the chiefs getting Hartwell is just becoming a pipe dream

If we were gong to get him he would be signed by now!

[nychief]

[QUOTE=Chan93lx50]I am beginging to believe that the chiefs getting Hartwell is just becoming a pipe dream[QUOTE]

why would you get that idea? There has only been a weeks worth of news saying we are focusing on the backfield.

[bricks]

I am beginging to believe that the chiefs getting Hartwell is just becoming a pipe dream

If we were gong to get him he would be signed by now!

well, they said themselves, they want 3 new defensive starters...In order that would be a LB, S, and CB. they filled 2 out of those 3. Now, it is either Law or Surtain. The Chiefs aren't getting Hartwell.

[Gaz]

To the best of my knowledge, we have not withdrawn our offer. We just are not actively courting him any more.

He came here, got an offer and went out to see if he could get more money. Either he will or he won’t. According to most reports, things seem to stacking up on the “won’t” side of that particular equation.

Until someone else signs him, we are still a candidate.

xoxo~
Gaz
Not sure how it will all pan out.

[tk13]

I don't know, the longer this goes it seems like the better it looks. It seems like he's priced himself out of the range of just about anyone interested in him... he can't hang on forever. Maybe he'll sign at a pretty reasonable deal. Arizona and Atlanta don't have a ton of cap room. I'd almost guess that some darkhorse team that does have cap room will swing in and get him...

[bricks]

To the best of my knowledge, we have not withdrawn our offer. We just are not actively courting him any more.

He came here, got an offer and went out to see if he could get more money. Either he will or he won’t. According to most reports, things seem to stacking up on the “won’t” side of that particular equation.

Until someone else signs him, we are still a candidate.

xoxo~
Gaz
Not sure how it will all pan out.


Yeah, BUT IF, and BUT IF we get Surtain or Law, which I think is the Chiefs #1 priority right now, I really doubt we'll be able to afford Hartwell.

[bricks]

I don't know, the longer this goes it seems like the better it looks. It seems like he's priced himself out of the range of just about anyone interested in him... he can't hang on forever. Maybe he'll sign at a pretty reasonable deal. Arizona and Atlanta don't have a ton of cap room. I'd almost guess that some darkhorse team that does have cap room will swing in and get him...

I have a gut feeling he will end up in Atlanta.

[Gaz]

Yeah, BUT IF, and BUT IF we get Surtain or Law, which I think is the Chiefs #1 priority right now, I really doubt we'll be able to afford Hartwell.

I can only hope that you are wrong.

xoxo~
Gaz
Keeping his faith in the front office [but realizes it is shaky ground].

[TEX]

I don't know, the longer this goes it seems like the better it looks. It seems like he's priced himself out of the range of just about anyone interested in him... he can't hang on forever. Maybe he'll sign at a pretty reasonable deal. Arizona and Atlanta don't have a ton of cap room. I'd almost guess that some darkhorse team that does have cap room will swing in and get him...

He will sign with whoever pays him the most. Pretty simple...

[TEX]

well, they said themselves, they want 3 new defensive starters...In order that would be a LB, S, and CB. they filled 2 out of those 3. Now, it is either Law or Surtain. The Chiefs aren't getting Hartwell.

That's how I see it as well. Hope I'm wrong if said CB is a slow-healing Ty Law....Just SAY NO to Law! :shake:

[Gaz]

He will sign with whoever pays him the most. Pretty simple...

It would appear at the moment, that the most is the standing offer from the Chiefs.

We put an offer down and he is trying to score more cash. You certainly cannot fault him for that. If the offers do not come [and so far they have not], then he can sign with us. We are, in effect, his safety net.

xoxo~
Gaz
Willing to fund Hartwell’s retirement with a jersey purchase, if it will help.

[Mr. Laz]

I'm tired of hearing about Hartwell. I wish he'd sign somewhere. If we get him, fine, I think he will help. If he goes somewhere else, that's OK too. I just am sick of reading millions on Hartwell topics on every Chiefs BB. Now that we have Bell, Hartwell is a luxury not a necessity.

ya that's right... stop wanting Hartwell because you gotten tired of hearing about him.


hartwell is not a fuggin luxury ... our linebacker corp sucks


our current starters:

OLB - FOX/mitchell
MLB - Bell
SSLB - Beisel


how's that for a super bowl linebacker group?

[Mastashake]

our current starters:

OLB - FOX/mitchell
MLB - Bell
SSLB - Beisel


how's that for a super bowl linebacker group?

Where did Fujita go? If we don't re-sign Fujita I will freak out. That guy is solid. He's not a playmaker, or a Pro-Bowler, but he's SOLID and CONSISTENTLY TACKLES.

Mastashake

[Gaz]

Fujita is a Restricted FA. I would be surprised if we let him go. He has the speed.

xoxo~
Gaz
Expects to see Fujita in Red & Gold.

[Tribal Warfare]

http://www.azcardinals.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=020161


somebody has been messing with the Arizona Cardinal fans


:lame:

[Wallcrawler]

Im pretty sure Fujita will be back. He better be. I dont know how when youre trying to improve your defense you can let your leading tackler leave the team.

That wouldnt make a lot of sense. But then again, the Chiefs havent made a lot of sense in the past, so who knows what would happen.


I think Hartwell is not going to be a Chief. He wants a ton of money, and we have addressed the LB spot, and S spot. We have not addressed the CB spot yet. If we get a good corner in here, and then theres still enough money to get Hartwell AND sign the rookies, then go for it. But I doubt that the Chiefs will have that much room, and besides that, the general consensus is that we dont want to have Bell playing outside.

[the Talking Can]

ya that's right... stop wanting Hartwell because you gotten tired of hearing about him.


hartwell is not a fuggin luxury ... our linebacker corp sucks


our current starters:

OLB - FOX/mitchell
MLB - Bell
SSLB - Beisel


how's that for a super bowl linebacker group?

well, according to CP, its the schizzle....

[whoman69]

Frankly I don't see how we can make a bid now for Hartwell with our CB situation still up in the air. We cannot get by there with just a draft pick. If we sign a lesser CB like Dyson or Herndon then I would have to say we still need him and should make the offer.

[Gaz]

I think we already made a bid for Hartwell. As far as I know, it is still on the table.

Am I wrong?

xoxo~
Gaz
Has to concede the very remote possibility.

[Mr. Laz]

we have addressed the LB spot, and S spot

that's debatable

we don't know if we have a quality free safety on the roster


1 LB doesn't fix the problem unless that 1 linebacker WAS the problem


so we are thinking that the reason why the linebacker corp sucked last year was because of Mitchell?


who's gonna be our WOLB?

[Bowser]

Carl was quick and somewhat vague when he commented about Hartwell, in saying that we are not "actively pursuing" him. You can read that as to say he knows our offer, and it's up to him, or read it just as easily to say he can go take a leap.

I haven't given up on Hartwell yet. Hartwell, Dyson, and Kevin Johnson. If they pull that off, I'll do a happy dance. But if they go for Surtain, there will be no Dyson or Johnson. I'd still be happy, just not quite AS happy.

[Mastashake]

IMO, you are crazy if you don't think either Wesley or Woods will be good FS's. A lot of teams would kill to have either, even Woods whose best days are behind him.

Mastashake