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listen Listen: John Clayton, ESPN NFL Insider
Clayton tells Doug & Wolf who may replace Beanie Wells as Cardinals running back.

Kevin Kolb spent the last two years with the Arizona Cardinals, and unless he's willing to restructure his contract, he's not likely to come back for a third.

Due to make a $2 million roster bonus along with $9 million in salary in 2013, the team has been very clear about a desire for the quarterback to take a pay cut.

The roster bonus is due March 16, meaning something will get done before then, and it's been reported those talks will happen this week.

But according to ESPN NFL insider John Clayton, who was a guest of Arizona Sports 620's Doug and Wolf Monday, the discussions probably won't lead to much.

"It has been quiet," he said when asked why not much has been said about the negotiations. "I think it's quiet because they realize it's a very tough decision."

Acquired for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick before the 2011 season, Kolb has passed for 3,124 yards and 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over the last two seasons. He's played in just 15 games -- with 14 starts -- and has battled various injuries over his time with the franchise.

So while he's shown some ability to play well on the field, he has not exactly shown the ability to stay on the field.

"I think the odds still favor him being released, but if he's willing to take a cap hit or take a big pay cut to stay then it's a different story," Clayton said. "You know he's not going to stay at the existing contract and you'd think the team is ready to move on."

Clayton believes new Cardinals coach Bruce Arians would not mind keeping Kolb around at the right price, though even then he will be doing so with the idea of the quarterback competing for the starting job.

"The question is how much of a pay cut can he do to stay and if he's willing to do it," Clayton said.

Adam Green, Web Content Editor - ArizonaSports.com

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    The Chemist wrote...
    If Kolb is smart...he will take the pay cut....
    ...and take the challenge to demonstrate that he is consistent with an acceptable OL. He is only 27-28 years old. He can show that he has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL and then look for the big bucks. But...if his greed takes over, he is done. No one will take him seriously and he will linger as a backup for the rest of his career.
  • Abuse
    hm wrote...
    I like
    John Clayton, but he said absolutely nothing about Kolb that not everyone else knows. He said: Kolb may or may not take a pay cut. Ya think?
  • Abuse
    AZSPORTFAN wrote...
    C'MON
    Why is it when you bring up Arizonasports.com that it say's KOLB GONE? Why don't you post that heading when he is gone and not until........ O'h it does have a ? mark behind it but still ........ You always know Adam's articles by the subject ...... Go Figure
  • Abuse
    DisgustedD wrote...
    Cut the guy
    & bring in Stanton. Then you have Stanton, Hoyer, & Lindley going into the Draft in which I see them drafting a QB. Then cut Lindley at camp. See ya Skebow!
  • Abuse
    theuglytruth wrote...
    The 2013 draft
    is the worst place to look for a QB! Those options are horrible. Why is it the Cardinals can't get it together....you draft what the colleges give you. If the draft is rich with QB talent...you draft a QB, not a WR. If it is rich with Olinemen.....you draft linemen, not a QB! It's the never ending circus of mistakes that haunts this team...stop the madness!
  • Abuse
    srgwriter wrote...
    Kolb has no incentive to take pay cut
    Kolb has made good money over the last couple of years, and with last year being a bit uncertain, I'm sure he has put back some money. He may not think it's worth taking the pay cut. I think he would like to play football again, kinda, but Cards fans aren't thrilled with the last couple of years, and I don't think he is either. I think his mindset is stay and make really good money, or part ways and leave the sour experience behind.
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