Earl Watford: Should he stay or should he go?

Earl Watford: Should he stay or should he go? (continued)

Why he should re-sign with the Cardinals:

There is a job opening at right guard, and if the Cardinals do not bring in a clear starter through free agency, Watford should have a chance to compete for that position. Though other teams may offer him a similar opportunity, the Cardinals might still be his best chance at securing a starting job, due to his familiarity with the offense.

Why he should not re-sign with the Cardinals:

Though there might be a chance to compete for a job with the Cardinals, it is possible that another team would be willing to bring Watford in as a presumed starter. A team like Seattle – where offensive line coach Tom Cable is known for getting the most out of marginal players – could be appealing to Watford. Though his services probably have only a modest value on the free agent market, it seems likely that his best offer will come from a team other than the Cardinals.

Next: Andre Ellington: Should he stay or should he go?

Verdict:

A return to the Cardinals might make sense from Watford’s perspective. From the Cardinals’ perspective, however, the bottom line is that Watford has not managed to take hold of a starting position, despite four years’ worth of opportunities. At this point the Cardinals are probably better off allocating Watford’s roster spot to either a free agent upgrade, or a rookie who has the potential to develop into a solid starter.