Saturday, January 17, 2009

Q&A With DF79: Kitna and Rudi?

I'm going to start doing some basic Q&A blogs -- so if you want to know my thoughts on something, just shoot me an email. As I've said before, I'm not an insider so I don't have "secret" information -- but I will give you my informed opinion -- informed opinions being what this Blog is all about! As always, I ask all readers to chime in with their thoughts as well, so always be sure to go back and read the comments!

On Sat, Jan 17, 2009 DesertLion wrote:
DetFan1979, I'm curious about Kitna. How long is left on his contract and do you see us staying with him (as he is a serviceable journeyman QB) and avoiding paying a bundle for DanO (as many other teams will be looking for QB's)? BTW I think Stanton is nothing more then a backup. He's entirely to fragile IMO.


The next item is about Rudi Johnson. Given a good offseason, I think he makes a great #2 back (I think he was only signed to a year deal if I remember right). Do you think they will retain him?

As for Kitna, he is signed through 2010, but if they cut him before his next bonus is paid, they save 2.5 million in cap space -- which is similar to what it would likely cost per year to keep DanO around (maybe a little more). DanO isn't going to get 10 mil a year from anyone, but I think he would be good anywhere up to the 4 mil a year range, as he provides a VERY solid back-up at worst at the most important position. I would even say a 3yr deal at 5 mil each would be worth it, as he is a low-end starter an would lock down the role long enough to give Stanton a fair evaluation, and draft another developmental QB if need be as the future at the position, without being forced to take a risk one someone because you have no choice.

I don't think Rudi is back unless he doesn't get any decent offers elsewhere -- RB is a young man's role, and teams have seen they can get impact backs all the way through the top of round 3 with great reliability. If he doesn't ask for more than backup money to return, you may see him back. the X-Factor is if he is okay with playing the role of backup to Kevin Smith, who will be the unchallenged starter heading into next season. As Don Banks pointed out -- he ran for about a thousand yards, on the 0-16 Lions, in less than a full season of starting. The Lions got first round talent in the 3rd with K. Smith, and Rudi may not want to play second fiddle to that. But, considering the RB market, he may not have a choice.

8 comments:

CHIEFGER139 said...

sorry guys for my absence-have had a horrible 2009 so far-love swartz-but the day he was hired thursday lost my only daughter in a car acident dead in seconds and she was just a passenger-my home computer dont work right either-monitor is on then goes out a few seconds later-so trying to get this in-this really sucks cause we need to print out pictures for the funeral-tried fixing with video card-no luck-wife/squaw finally feels good enough to go to town to take daughters clothes to funeral parlor-told her to pick up new monitor-already tried video card no luck-wish chief luck
with monitor-daughter was 28-2 days before it happened-our only child! we have her granddaughter with us now and dont know if her dad will let us keep her we raised her from birth-but up to him-hes a decent guy so we have hope-but is in gods hands if he wants her so be it-if its up to my granddaughter she will stay with us-shes will-but in michigan thers no grandparents rights-dont matter-like I said hes a decent guy so she will be well off eitherway.hope to get this computer running soon-cant afford a new one-was already hurtin financially and now this 6000 for the funeral-but will take 100 per month-looks like no lions games for us-but right now thats the least of our worries-church family is helpin us out with meals-those who dont belive should-we take care of each other-hopefully i can get into this more later-go lions!!

CHIEFGER139 said...

sorry guys for my absence-have had a horrible 2009 so far-love swartz-but the day he was hired thursday lost my only daughter in a car acident dead in seconds and she was just a passenger-my home computer dont work right either-monitor is on then goes out a few seconds later-so trying to get this in-this really sucks cause we need to print out pictures for the funeral-tried fixing with video card-no luck-wife/squaw finally feels good enough to go to town to take daughters clothes to funeral parlor-told her to pick up new monitor-already tried video card no luck-wish chief luck
with monitor-daughter was 28-2 days before it happened-our only child! we have her granddaughter with us now and dont know if her dad will let us keep her we raised her from birth-but up to him-hes a decent guy so we have hope-but is in gods hands if he wants her so be it-if its up to my granddaughter she will stay with us-shes will-but in michigan thers no grandparents rights-dont matter-like I said hes a decent guy so she will be well off eitherway.hope to get this computer running soon-cant afford a new one-was already hurtin financially and now this 6000 for the funeral-but will take 100 per month-looks like no lions games for us-but right now thats the least of our worries-church family is helpin us out with meals-those who dont belive should-we take care of each other-hopefully i can get into this more later-go lions!!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss Chief. Is there any thing you need or that we can do for you? Please let us know. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I always look forward to your posts.
Take care.

DetFan1979 said...

cheif - I'm really sorry to hear about your loss!! 2009 has already been a tough year for you. Why don't you post up your email, and then everyone who wants to help out can drop you a note?

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Chief!

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your loss Chief.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Isphet said...

Chiefy - my heart goes out to you and your family. Take care of everything, and if you ever need an escape for a few minutes, you know where to come.

CHIEFGER139 said...

finally some good news-
got the computer working last night-just needed a new monitor-just in time needed to print out pictures for tuesdays funeral
http://www.legacy.com/BattleCreek/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=122973439
my email is gerry1392000@verizon.net
thanks for your prayers

Anonymous said...

Chief,
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lik