Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals have a number of things happening outside of just the basic days of training camp.
The first thing that is happening is open training camp practice today from 4:00-5:45 p.m. and Sunday from 1:45-3p.m.
While it is free, you must have a ticket which can be picked up on the website.
The other thing that is happening, or not happening for some players, is that they are practicing.
While Jacoby Brissett showed up and was relegated to light work due to offseason inactivity with the team, and Michael Wilson was there and doing everything, Paris Johnson Jr. was placed on the PUP list, with a minor knee issue.
This is all of course speculation, but it seemed very convenient on the timing for PJJ to show up and not being able to practice.
Kyle Odegard, the former Arizona Cardinals beat writer (and employee of the Cardinals) talked about those three, because to be fair no one has any idea what is happening with Josh Sweat, and his take was the first time I have seen him praise Monti Ossenfort.
The Arizona Cardinals’ general manager is 15-36 in his three seasons at the helm, and his team is projected to be the worst in the NFL in Year 4.
Based on a juggernaut early-season schedule, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ossenfort gets canned before Halloween. And I’d be shocked if he is retained for a fifth year.
All that being said, he’s done a good job in contract negotiations this offseason…
From Odegard on Brissett:
While coach Mike LaFleur said negotiations are ongoing with Brissett, the Cardinals spoke loudly by slotting in Minshew with the first-team at the start of the drills.
The message: We may give you a few bucks, Jacoby, but nothing close to what you want.
The Cardinals are not winning many games with or without Brissett this season, so it’s the smart play. Brissett has no leverage, and Ossenfort must stand his ground even if the noise grows louder.
That is just it. While people have said they need to give Brissett a raise since he is the starter, the reality is they don’t. The team looked everywhere for a replacement, then drafted Carson Beck, and only then begrudgingly made it seem like Brissett may be the starter. But here is the reality. Brissett would have to start at least six games, keep them all competitive, and actually win some of them to hold off any changes. If the Cardinals are 1-5 or worse, even if they are “competitive” in some games like last year, the calls will grow louder for a change at quarterback. So, why pay “starter money” for that? If they want to give Brissett a bump up to the $8-10 million range, then do it, but there is no reason to go to his “$15 million will get it done” when you are talking about a guy who may...
