Kurt Warner

[Mainejays]

I just read on ESPN in Len Pascarillius (not the correct spelling I know) column that the Rams will likely cut Kurt Warner on June 1st. Given Bledsoe's unstable status with us, how does having Warner, a two time league MVP, sound as our backup/starter for 2005? That way if we do draft a QB project in the 2nd or 3rd round, that player would have 2-3 years to learn behind Bledsoeand Warner. Any thoughts, besides:miller:

[mykiljonz]

In Bledsoe I think we already have Warner. If we are not going to pay the 7 million in November to Drew, I could see cutting Drew and getting Warner if he is 1 million or less.

Anything more than 1 million is too much, since I think him and Drew are just about clones. I think Warner's best days are behind him. The timing is a little too late also, because there is really nobody left in FA to go after even WITH the extra money releasing Drew would give. Plus, the early camp has been here.

[Mainejays]

What if, heaven forbid, we don't land a QB of the future in the draft, or a #2 QB (Travis Brown scares no one except Bills fans)? If we don't address the OL, Bledsoe will either get injured or bomb again like last year. Having a capable back up would be nice (Kordell is NOT a capable back up).

[mykiljonz]

I agree having a back-up QB who could possibly start would be nice, but LOOK AT THE CONTRACT...

2003: Base salary of $5.3 million
2004: Roster bonus of $1.25M due first day of league year; base salary of
$4.75M
2005: Roster bonus of $1.5M due first day of league year; base salary of $4.5M
2006: Roster bonus of $2M due first day of league year; base salary of $5.1M

Warner currently has $3.46 million of signing bonus proration in each of the last four years. That includes his initial signing bonus, the recently paid $6 million option bonus and bonuses from previous contract restructures.
Consider this: His cap figure next year is scheduled to be $9.4 million. If he is injured more, or plays poorly and the Rams make the decision not to bring him back in 2004, they would not pay the roster bonus, but take a cap hit of $10.4 million. That's large, but only $1 million more than if he was on the roster. The future years of the contract are why the Rams have not restructured his $5.3M base salary this year, because it would add more bonus to the last three years.
However, if he returns to form this season, then a restructuring of the $6 million in salary and roster bonus next year would make sense to lower the overall cap


Is he going to go from making 10 MILLION to 1 million, which is in the ballpark of back-up? There are a few teams I could see paying him a lot more than the Bills would, or should.

[mykiljonz]

I am one of the people who's biggest problem with Bledsoe is the MONEY. If I do not think the Bills need to pay Drew the 7 Million bonus, I laugh at the thought of paying Kurt 10 Million.

Arizona has a butt-load of cap space. They also seem to care more about the "name" player, even if said player is past his prime, and overpriced. ie: Emmit Smith.
I could see them paying 3 Million or more for Warner.