In a truly unshocking development, Kevin Kolb was finally traded from the Eagles to the Cardinals today. While the trade itself took much longer than expected, the impact of it is still very significant. We take a look at the dynasty landscape after the Kolb deal in the latest installment of “Instant Analysis.”
Kevin Kolb, QB ARI
Kolb gets his wish to be a full-time starter in Arizona. He’ll be given the best receiving option he’s ever worked with in Larry Fitzgerald and a running game that promises to be at least adequate with Ryan Williams and Beanie Wells.
So, it’s all good, right? Not so much.
The hype machine is a little out of control on Kolb. Sure, he’s a huge upgrade over Max Hall, Derek Anderson or John Skelton, but he’s still unproven. His career totals of 2,082 yards, 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions don’t exactly scream “Canton!” Dynasty league owners should roster Kolb as a low-end QB2 at best, realizing he has the opportunity to flourish in the desert.
Just don’t start comparing him to Kurt Warner quite yet.
John Skelton, QB ARI
Skelton was likely the best quarterback on the Cardinals roster as he showed more than Max Hall last year. In the end, he’s really nothing more than a low-end backup in reality, and even less in fantasy with the addition of Kolb.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR ARI
Fitzgerald’s disappointing 2010 season featured 90 catches, 1,137 yards and six scores. That’s right. Disappointing. It’s pretty amazing what he was able to do with the ineptness the Cardinals quarterbacking corps showed. With Kolb at the helm, he should improve upon those numbers and get back to the 1,400 yard, double digit touchdown season we’ve come to expect as long as Kolb is as good as advertised.
Andre Roberts, WR ARI
Roberts, Early Doucet, Stephen Williams and all the other Arizona wide receivers and tight ends all need a bump up in value. We love the potential in Roberts and see him as the second option as early as this season.
Michael Vick, QB PHI
It’s been apparent there was no quarterback controversy in Philly THIS year. However, Vick has to be very careful not to get hurt now. The Eagles are really rolling the dice here. Vick’s value doesn’t change any – he’s in the elite category.
Mike Kafka, QB PHI
For the moment, Kafka is one play away from a starting job in the NFL at the helm of one of the best offenses in the league. The Eagles confidence in Kafka is obvious if they feel they move Kolb this season. While we expect them to bring in another veteran to back up Vick (see below), they moved Kolb without that guarantee. Kafka is worthy of a roster spot in a deep league as a developmental prospect who could get an opportunity.
Vince Young, QB FA
With Kolb out of the mix, the Eagles may just turn their attention to Vince Young. If he can swallow that enormous pride of his, this would be a great spot for him to sign.
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Here’s another side question:
How does DRC moving to The Eagles help booster their DST? I’m one of those people who doesn’t focus much on DSTs, like usually I just roll with The Eagles or The Chargers, but last year Philly let me down.
You didn’t put how it would affect the RB’s in the “Desert”. I’m especially interested in Ryan Williams.
It’s a tough call. On paper, you would think Kolb should free up some lanes for Williams and Co. While he’s better than Anderson, Hall or Skelton, the book is still out on him.
I hesitated in giving them much of an uptick due to the uncertainty around Kolb. I really didn’t want to give anyone the impression they should be dancing for joy thinking they have the next Peyton Manning.
I’ve never seen a player get this much hype with a career TD/INT ratio of 11/14.
That being said, it’s certainly not bad news for the backs. Much needs to shake out in the backfield as well. We all assume Williams is going to take over, but I’m not counting Beanie out quite yet.