Doomsday101
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Tempe, AZ - With the start of the 2007 free-agency period on the horizon, the Arizona Cardinals have informed veteran offensive tackle Leonard Davis that the team does not intend to place a franchise or transition tag on him and the six-year lineman will be unrestricted when free agency begins on March 2.
“In fairness to Leonard, we wanted to let him know what our position is so he can move forward and make plans,” offered Vice President of Football Operations Rod Graves. “Our coaching staff has had an opportunity to evaluate Leonard and how he fits in with our team and we feel this is the option that makes the most sense from a football standpoint.”
The 2006 season was the final year of Davis’ contract and the team essentially had three options. By placing either a franchise or transition tag on Davis, the Cardinals could have secured his services for one year at a little over $11 million in guaranteed salary. Another option would have been to negotiate a new long-term deal before the start of free agency. The team instead opted to let Davis hit the free-agent market.
“When we evaluated Leonard, we certainly see ability and as improvement, especially as last season went on,” said Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt. “But when you look at the situation on the whole and take everything into account, we don’t feel that the investment that would be required to keep him is equal to the performance.
“We have needs at multiple positions, as well as for depth, and we want to be in the best position us to address those needs,” said Whisenhunt.
Graves said the team has not ruled out the possibility of Davis returning to the Cardinals in 2007. “That would depend on what transpires and how the circumstances play out. It’s not about cap room or trying to make it fit, but it’s about paying the right value for Leonard Davis.”
“Going forward, we’re making our free-agency plans and intend to be very aggressive,” stated Graves.
Davis was the second overall pick in the 2001 draft behind Atlanta’s Michael Vick. The former Texas Longhorn spent his first three professional seasons at guard before making the transition to left tackle in 2004. Davis started all 91 games he has played in for the Cards, including all 16 in the 2006 campaign.
“In fairness to Leonard, we wanted to let him know what our position is so he can move forward and make plans,” offered Vice President of Football Operations Rod Graves. “Our coaching staff has had an opportunity to evaluate Leonard and how he fits in with our team and we feel this is the option that makes the most sense from a football standpoint.”
The 2006 season was the final year of Davis’ contract and the team essentially had three options. By placing either a franchise or transition tag on Davis, the Cardinals could have secured his services for one year at a little over $11 million in guaranteed salary. Another option would have been to negotiate a new long-term deal before the start of free agency. The team instead opted to let Davis hit the free-agent market.
“When we evaluated Leonard, we certainly see ability and as improvement, especially as last season went on,” said Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt. “But when you look at the situation on the whole and take everything into account, we don’t feel that the investment that would be required to keep him is equal to the performance.
“We have needs at multiple positions, as well as for depth, and we want to be in the best position us to address those needs,” said Whisenhunt.
Graves said the team has not ruled out the possibility of Davis returning to the Cardinals in 2007. “That would depend on what transpires and how the circumstances play out. It’s not about cap room or trying to make it fit, but it’s about paying the right value for Leonard Davis.”
“Going forward, we’re making our free-agency plans and intend to be very aggressive,” stated Graves.
Davis was the second overall pick in the 2001 draft behind Atlanta’s Michael Vick. The former Texas Longhorn spent his first three professional seasons at guard before making the transition to left tackle in 2004. Davis started all 91 games he has played in for the Cards, including all 16 in the 2006 campaign.
