Cardinals were initially against trading Rodgers-Cromartie for Kolb

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.

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