Tools of the week: The Arizona Cardinals organization

I live in Phoenix Arizona and I have been a Falcons fan ever since I was a kid, but even I was rooting for the Cards in the superbowl.  I respected the game they played at the U. of Phoenix Stadium and as I was there I was sad that my team was not victorious but I was happy to see my favorite Cardinal win his first playoff game. That player was and still is Anquan Boldin.

Anquan had me from the moment I saw him play his first regular season fame back in 2003 against the Detroit Lions: 10 receptions 210 yards and 2 TDs. They guy was a monster and he is one of the most amazing receivers I have ever seen play the game. Boldin is a superior athlete and deserves to be paid that way. Simply put I say pay the man and do it willingly.

The Cardinals are well known as one of the worst franchises in sports not just football. Their idiocy is well documented and I won’t go over it here but when I watch the local news and I hear about multiple teams interested in trading for the pro-bowl receiver in the prime of his career I say “Duh”. What is it with the Cards? The first great player they draft, the first one who truly makes this team a winner asks to renegotiate his contract and they balk, he plays and excels and shuts up and what do they do? They do nothing expecting the problem to go away.

Why would you take the first player who actually succeeded and trade him away for un-proven commodities like draft picks? Why would a team who has a premier receiver like Boldin consider a trade with the Baltimore Ravens for guys like Todd Heap and Willis McGahee? I will tell you why…..Pride. The Bidwells are too proud to pay the guy,and Boldin wants what he deserves and that is to be paid like one of the best receivers in the league. Now, I agree that if you sign a contract you should honor it, but things happen and I am willing to let this one slide because this is a special case on a one-off situation. Renegotiate the contract, call it a bailout and let’s get it over with.

I like the Cards and Boldin is my favorite Cardinal. I even have his jersey, but why any team would let a guy who will be in the hall of fame one day just walk is beyond my comprehension.

So the tool of the week award goes to the Bidwell family and to the Cardinals organization.