Word on the Street: Kurt Warner Looking for Two-Year, $18 Million Deal

Posted Feb 01, 2009 5:35PM By Ryan Wilson (RSS feed)

Kurt Warner is a wily veteran who rediscovered his career in the Valley of the Sun. After a short stint with the Giants as Eli Manning's backup in 2004, Warner landed in Arizona where he shared starting duties with Josh McCown and Matt Leinart before head coach Ken Whisenhunt finally installed him as the full-time quarterback just prior to the 2008 season.

Almost six months later, Warner is largely responsible for the Cardinals' current situation: NFC Conference champions playing for a Super Bowl title. In about five hours' time, however, Warner's contract will expire.

He hasn't spoken much about the future other than to make some vague references to eventually retiring (to his credit, he did tell NBC during their 85 hours of pregame coverage that he doesn't want to pull a "Favre"), but ESPN's Chris Mortensen has the Mortscoop on Warner's contract demands (via Rotoworld):

...Mortensen reports that impending free agent Kurt Warner is in search of "at least" a two-year contract. NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that Warner wants $9 million annually.

Mort concedes the possibility that Warner might retire if Arizona wins Super Bowl XLIII, but we're betting he'll be back either way. He doesn't have a ton of NFL mileage and should be able to perform at a high level into his 40s. The $18 million is also a more than reasonable number, indicating that Warner wouldn't be coming back just for the money. He still wants to play.

Totally agree -- $18 million over two years is a bargain for one of the league's best quarterbacks. At some point, Arizona would presumably like to see what they have in Leinart, but why rush it if Warner can still play at a high level and is clearly the better player?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-01-2009 @ 10:38PM

horatiowrd said...

Cardinals,

Let Warner Go. Yes, I know it sounds stupid but facts are facts. You just lost the Superbowl, history tells us no matter what you do, next year will suck for you. If your going to suck, suck by saving money. Suck by getting your QB of future ready to go, suck by letting finding E. James Successor. Come back in a two years. Don't tie up cap space on a QB who is most known for being dismissed for not being that good. Just dismiss him for not being that good, let him go throw to Calvin in Detroit and never look back. Just accept that you will be at best 8-8 next year and that in 2 years you can not only go to the Superbowl but win it being lead by Lienhart to Fitzgerald. Good teams cut fat no matter how much delicious it might be. Warner is delicious, delicious fat but go ahead and toss it; this meal is over.

2-01-2009 @ 11:44PM

ALLSPORTS said...

Get your facts straight, yea he was released because of bad play, but he had broken his hand and was rushed back to soon by the coaching staff of the Rams. Also they did not have the o-line to give him anytime so he was getting sacked and getting head injuries. When he is protected he is very dangerous.

2-01-2009 @ 10:56PM

Tim said...

You are joking, aren't you? The Cardiac Cards are a much better team than anyone ever guessed - right up to the last minute of the Superbowl. If they can keep the core intact (and there is no reason they can't) next season looks even better. If Warner is resigned (and he does like it here) without busting the cap, maybe the Cards can even improve in the off season.