Arizona Cardinals Targeting Kevin Kolb?

I'm starting to get more convinced that Philadelphia Eagles back-up quarterback Kevin Kolb is a virtual lock to join the Arizona Cardinals this season. There are two reasons why I think this happens: Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and Cam Newton.

First, Fitzgerald, who is scheduled to become a free agent after next year, was allegedly asked by the Cardinals brass for a list quarterbacks he'd like to play with. Fitzgerald reportedly put Kolb at the top of that list (although Fitzgerald has denied this claim). The reason this is significant is because Arizona is trying to sign Fitzgerald to a long-term deal and they want to make him happy. Trading for Kolb would make Fitzgerald happy, thus Fitzgerald would re-sign.

Secondly, the Cardinals are not on the list of teams planning to hold a private workout with Cam Newton. Arizona holds the fifth pick in the draft and it would be logical for the QB-needy Cardinals to bring him in for a workout. Their lack of interest in Newton tells me they're looking at other options at quarterback -- namely Kevin Kolb.

If Arizona decide to deal for Kolb, it will have to wait for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). My guess is the Cardinals second round pick (#37 overall) will be involved in a deal for Kolb.

NFL Lockout's Impact On The Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles offense is set with several young elite players already in place: quarterback Michael Vick, running back LeSean McCoy and wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. The Eagles will need to add some offensive line help, but that's not pressing. The real test for the Eagles will be the transformation of their defense. Philadelphia hired their offensive line coach, Juan Castillo, to be their defensive coordinator. Castillo hasn't coached defense in 22 years and he could really benefit from off season workouts to put his fingerprints on the defense. I expect the Eagles to go heavy on defensive players in the draft and target a few free agents when the new CBA is agreed upon (maybe even free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha).

List of NFL teams that have used 2011 Franchise Tag

Today is the last day NFL teams can use their franchise or transition tag on potential free agents. However, we still don't know if either tag will be anything when a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is reached between the NFL and NFL Players Association.

While NFL teams are starting to use their franchise tags, the player's union argues without a CBA - which expires on March 3, 2011 - the franchise tag would no longer exist.

As the two sides crawl to a CBA resolution, here's a list of the players who have been franchise or transition tagged.

Baltimore Ravens -- Haloti Ngata, DL

Carolina Panthers -- Ryan Kalil, C

Cleveland Browns -- Phil Dawson, K

Indianapolis Colts -- Peyton Manning, QB

Jacksonville Jaguars -- Marcedes Lewis, TE

Kansas City Chiefs -- Tamba Hali, LB

Miami Dolphins -- Paul Soliai, DL

Minnesota Vikings -- Chad Greenway, LB

New England Patriots -- Logan Mankins, OL

New York Jets -- David Harris, LB

Oakland Raiders -- Kamerion Wimbley, LB

Philadelphia Eagles -- Michael Vick, QB / David Akers, K (transition tag)

Pittsburgh Steelers -- LaMarr Woodley, OLB

San Diego Chargers -- Vincent Jackson, WR

Philadelphia Eagles place franchise tag on Michael Vick

The Philadelphia Eagles took a set towards securing their quarterback for next season by placing the francise tag on Michael Vick. The 2010 Comeback Player of the Year will likely make between $15 and $20 million in 2011.

Vick was named to the Pro Bowl team and finished second in the MVP voting behind Tom Brady. Vick, who will turn 31 in June, became the Eagles starting quarterback after Kevin Kolb was injured in week one of the 2010 season.

There is still some unceratinty about whether the franchise tag will exist next season because of the NFL's expiring collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The current CBA is set to expire after March 3, 2011.

The Eagles also placed the transition tag on kicker David Akers.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Kevin Kolb, QB, Arizona Cardinals

2010 Stats (7 gms)	1197 yds.	7 TDs	7 INTs
2011 Projected	3650 yds.	22 TDs	16 INTs

Kolb lands in Arizona where he'll have the luxury of throwing to Larry Fitzgerald every game. Kolb has the talent to be a solid quarterback, he just needs to stay healthy. If Kolb can hold up for 16 games, he could be a top 15 QB. Kolb has shown an ability to make big throws and moves well in the pocket. Consider him a solid QB2, with the potential to be a low-end QB1.

2011 Fantasy Football Scouting Report: Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

2010 Stats	3018 yds.	21 TDs	6 INTs
2011 Projected	3350 yds.	23 TDs	10 INTs

Vick's ability to run makes him a valuable fantasy football quarterback (projected: eight rushing TDs), but it's also a liability. Vick has the ability to be the top fantasy football quarterback, if he can stay healthy. He has become a solid pocket passer and has the playmakers around him (wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin and running back LeSean McCoy) to be a big play quarterback.