ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals were initially against trading Rodgers-Cromartie for Kolb

Jul 28, 2011, 11:03 PM | Updated: Jul 29, 2011, 12:38 am

A lot of people were surprised to see the Cardinals trade Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for Kevin Kolb.

DRC, after all, was a in the Pro Bowl just two years ago and, while he had a down 2010, was still one of the most talented corners in the league.

Well, include the Cardinals in that group too.

“When it was first, initially talked about, I said ‘no,'” Whisenhunt said of including the cornerback in trade talks. “And I want to be clear, we were not shopping Dominique.

“That was something that was a very tough decision, and it really comes down to what you have to do to get a deal done.”

Does that mean the Cardinals caved in, letting their need for a quarterback cause them to give up a talented player? Perhaps.

But, that won’t matter if Kolb produces, a fact the Cardinals are well aware of.

Still, both Whisenhunt and General Manager Rod Graves admitted it was a difficult decision to part with a player who, as a rookie, played a key role in the team’s run to the Super Bowl.

“It’s difficult to give up a good football player, and especially one who is well liked, gregarious, is a fun person to be around in the locker room,” Graves said.

Well liked or not, the NFL is about winning, and that’s it. As long as Kolb — and the Cardinals — play well the next few years, few will look back on this trade with regret over what they gave up.

If not, though, this move will certainly be questioned, and rightfully so.

Arizona Cardinals

Darius Robinson...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals take DL Darius Robinson with No. 27 pick in 1st round of NFL Draft

The Arizona Cardinals selected Darius Robinson out of Missouri with the No. 27 pick of the NFL Draft during the first round on Thursday.

38 minutes ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. after being selected fourth overall by the Arizona Cardinals at the 2024 NFL Dr...

Alex Weiner

Cardinals’ Marvin Harrison Jr. at NFL Draft: ‘I’m gonna work as hard as I can to earn trust’

Marvin Harrison Jr. said he could not be more excited to be an Arizona Cardinal after getting pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

1 hour ago

Marvin Harrison Jr....

Kevin Zimmerman

Why is Marvin Harrison Jr. nicknamed Maserati Marv?

FOX play-by-play man Gus Johnson coined the nickname Maserati Marv to then-Ohio State wideout and new Arizona Cardinals Marvin Harrison Jr.

1 hour ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Kyler Murray, fans react to Marvin Harrison Jr. becoming a Cardinal

Marvin Harrison Jr. now teams with Kyler Murray after he was the fourth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Murray approves.

2 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: MASERATI MARV IT IS! Reaction to the Arizona Cardinals drafting Marvin Harrison Jr.

Wolf, Gambo and our hosts out at the BetMGM sportsbook approve of the Marvin Harrison Jr. pick. Arizona Sports' NFL Draft coverage is presented by BetMGM and Bud Light.

3 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. smiles...

Damon Allred

Cardinals fans may have to wait for Marvin Harrison Jr. jerseys going on sale

Now that the Cardinals picked Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft, fans might have to wait a little to get jerseys.

3 hours ago

Cardinals were initially against trading Rodgers-Cromartie for Kolb