ARIZONA — With so much cap space and an even bigger need to start improving, the Arizona Cardinals often find themselves as a common trade destination for some of the league’s brightest stars looking to start anew and receive a lucrative contract.
After just one season under head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals appear to be on the right path despite winning just four games last season.
Kyler Murray’s back and healthy. There’s legitimate weapons around him, including an improved offensive line. If Arizona’s defense can see a handful of players step up on the edge and in the secondary, the Cardinals may be better than some anticipate.
Yet the NFL is a star-driven league, and one of the brightest in the constellation available on the trade market soon.
Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb is looking to get paid. Given his performance since being drafted as a first-round pick just a few years ago, it’s certainly warranted.
Whether Dallas will ultimately pay up or not remains to be seen, as Lamb is one of multiple stars the Cowboys must juggle in terms of future contracts as Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons also look to secure their deserved money.
“For the second consecutive year, there’s a possibility a key starter will hold out of training camp. Lamb missed the entire offseason program and is expected to miss training camp if he doesn’t get a new deal,” wrote Calvin Watkins of the The Dallas Morning News.
Lamb could net a contract worth around $30 million per season – whether that’s in Dallas or elsewhere.
Lamb earned All-Pro honors with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. His impact on the field can’t be overstated, and his potential presence changes dynamics for coordinators far and wide throughout the NFL.
Trade speculation around the former OU pass-catcher has grown as his missing extension remains prevelant.
Once upon a time, Murray and Lamb took the field together at Oklahoma, shredding defenses while the two respective players reached admirable accolades such as Murray’s Heisman trophy and Lamb’s All-American honors.
It was a dream for the connection to be established again at the professional level. Murray departed after the 2018 season and was made the No. 1 overall pick by the Cardinals while Lamb needed one more year with the Sooners.
The following offseason, the Cardinals were in position to draft Lamb, reuniting the dynamic duo and even better, laying the foundation to establish one of the best QB-WR connections in the league.
Murray reportedly lobbied heavily for Arizona to draft Lamb, and with the Oklahoma receiver available on the board, the Cardinals opted for versatile Clemson defender Isaiah Simmons instead.
Nine picks later, Dallas drafted Lamb as the third receiver taken, and the rest as been history.
Now, the cost of acquiring Lamb will be significantly more – but there’s still some vocal on trying to lobby his presence in the desert.
You can never have enough weapons, especially in today’s NFL.
Adding a talent such as Lamb to a core that already possesses the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zay Jones, Trey McBride, James Conner and others would only create more headaches for defensive coordinators while also bolstering Arizona’s arsenal of weapons.
With that many capable bodies, the Cardinals would be a strong candidate to finish near the top of the league in most offensive categories. Lamb’s presence would also further the organization’s commitment to Murray, who they’ve been quite vocal about as a staple of the franchise moving into the future.
It would be an embarrassment of riches – quite honestly.
But that would come with a price.
First, let’s look at what the actual cost of Lamb would be.
A recent similar trade to compare a potential package would be Tyreek Hill, who was dealt from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins for a 2022 first, second, fourth-round pick plus fourth and sixth-round picks in 2023.
Lamb is a couple years younger, so the premium may jump when assessing his worth.
Then, you’d have to extend Lamb. As previously mentioned, he’ll likely net somewhere between $30 million annually, though it’s a league where players continually leapfrog the previous top contract.
While it’s tough to imagine Justin Jefferson’s $35 million annual average being beat, Lamb’s camp can make an argument to jump AJ Brown’s $32 million yearly wage.
Brown received $84 million in practical guarantees with $51 million promised at signing, too.
Lamb’s going to need a few Brink’s trucks for his pending payday.
And so here the Cardinals sit – training camp is just weeks away and they’ve got draft resources and cap space aplenty to make a splash if they so desire.
In all reality, general manager Monti Ossenfort has shown no signs of swinging for the fences this early in his tenure. The Cardinals have optimism surrounding the team – for very good reason – but make no mistake about it: Arizona has so much work to do on the overall outlook of its roster.
Offensively, the Cardinals appear fine without Lamb. Should all parties produce as expected, Arizona already expects themselves to be near the league’s best in terms of offensive production. Lamb would be a great addition to any offense, though he’s not necessarily needed to push Arizona’s offense to the next level.
Arizona believes they have a star and eventual top wideout in Harrison – who was just drafted and is on a cost-controlled contract for at least the next three years before extension talks can take place.
The Cardinals would be better off allocating those resources elsewhere – both in terms of draft capital and salary cap space.
As great as Lamb is (and projects to be in the future), the Cardinals are not one wideout away from planning a Super Bowl parade. Fixing other areas of the team and continuing the ideology of building the franchise through the draft will ensure Arizona remains on schedule with where they want to be.
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The Arizona Diamondbacks picked up a 7-5 win in San Diego after the Padres’ defense fell flat in the 10th inning and the D-backs’ bullpen stepped up with its back against the wall.
Geraldo Perdomo’s successful lead-off bunt opened up a window for the D-backs, especially after Randal Grichuk — Friday night’s near-hero pinch hitting for Joc Pederson on Saturday — worked a walk to load the bases.
Christian Walker cashed in with a groundball that found the hole in the defense, bringing home two runs.
C-WALK COMES THROUGH! pic.twitter.com/foQnoCb1XL
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 7, 2024
Jake McCarthy later grounded into a fielder’s choice that saw Grichuk come home, giving a three-run lead to Thyago Vieira, who got the ball to start the bottom of the 10th.
Vieira walked his first batter, Manny Machado, to bring the tying run to the plate for San Diego. Donovan Solano then knocked a ball just past Corbin Carroll in right field for a double, bringing home one run and leaving two more runners in scoring position with no outs.
He walked the go-ahead run onto first base shortly after as he was unable to find the strike zone.
Vieira recorded his first out on his 22nd pitch, a strikeout, coming off the mound in favor of Humberto Castellanos immediately after.
Castellanos — making just his third D-backs appearance — struck out Ha-Seong Kim, who earlier tied the game in the eighth for San Diego with an RBI double. Then it was a flyout from Kyle Higashioka to end the game.
Paul Sewald had an off day after two straight blown saves, his first two of the year.
Retirees and seniors flock to Arizona for its mild climates, affordability, and welcoming community of locals. Known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is the perfect place to retire for those looking to spend their Golden years in a spacious environment and lead an active lifestyle. From bedroom communities that allow easy access to major metropolitan cities like Coolidge to secluded nature-centric spots like Sierra Vista, where seniors can embrace the desert allure, read along to find your ideal new hometown in Arizona.
Wickenburg is one of the oldest cities in Arizona, and it stands out as one of the best budget-friendly retirement spots for its well-rounded amenities. Located 65 miles from the major metropolis of Phoenix, Wickenburg’s main appeal is its proximity to big city amenities. Aside from its convenient location, everything from the town’s central shopping district to the housing layout and desert setting evokes a nostalgic Wild West aura. Seniors relocating to Wickenburg can find everyday necessities on the historic Frontier Street that dates back to the early 1900s while also discovering the town’s major tourist attractions like the Saguaro Theater and the Santa Fe Depot, along with endless team roping events hosted at places like the Big Tree Arena and Western Trails. Additionally, seniors who require attentive medical care can choose between popular retirement homes like My Father’s Retirement Ranch or Rustic Ranch Senior Living, while the main healthcare facility in town is the Wickenburg Community Hospital. In 2024, the average home price in Wickenburg is valued at $599,900, significantly more expensive than other options, yet estimated to be 95% of the national average.
Winslow is a nature-centric town with an old-time appeal evident in its historic buildings. Adorned with parks and landmarks, Winslow defines the small-town experience with its tight-knit community of 9,000 residents, a thriving scene of local businesses, and quirky landmarks that pay tribute to the town’s iconic location along Route 66. Despite the town’s small size, seniors relocating to Winslow can enjoy easy access to top-notch healthcare amenities like the US PHS Winslow Indian Hospital, North Country HealthCare, and Little Colorado Medical Center. Better yet, the town’s tourist appeal adds a lively element, drawing thousands of visitors from all over, with the most popular being The Apache Death Cave, Standin’ on The Corner Park, and The Two Guns ghost town. As affordable as the best budget-friendly towns in Arizona get, the average home price is valued at $199,500.
Best known as an essential stop on your way to the Grand Canyon, Williams is the perfect budget-friendly small town for seniors seeking a relaxing mountainous landscape. The small town has a population of 3,398 and enjoys a rustic ambiance that adds to its homely appeal. Thanks to the town’s far-out remote location, it is best suited for seniors looking for an affordable town away from urbanization and enjoying a slower pace of life. William’s unique location near communities like Sedona and Flagstaff is also a main contributor to the town’s appeal as newcomers have a variety of welcoming communities to explore with just a short drive of less than 33 mi. The average home price in Williams is valued at $635,000, while the downside of relocating to Williams is its limited healthcare options. The best healthcare options near town are spread across other communities like Northern Arizona Healthcare in Sedona, which sits 63 miles away.
Sierra Vista is more of a small city than a town with a sizable population of 45,439 and a convenient location near the major metropolis of Tucson, Arizona. Known as the Hummingbird Capital of the US, Sierra Vista is also one of the best small towns for nature-passionate seniors to relocate to. Adding to the nature-centric ambiance is its lively business scene with an abundance of restaurants and wineries. Some of the town’s locally renowned businesses include Silver Strike Winery, The German Cafe, and La Casita Mexican Restaurant. Sierra Vista also boasts an array of retirement home options with some of the best-rated being Mountain View Gardens Gracious Retirement Living. The average home in Sierra Vista was valued at $325,000, making it a median option between affordable and average-priced home prices in Arizona. From Miller’s Peak’s lush mountainous area to the Patterson Observatory, this small town caters to all nature interests while enjoying a youthful ambiance emphasized by the student population of the University of Arizona.
Coolidge offers a small-town feel with the convenience of being near larger cities like Phoenix and Tucson. This small town makes almost every list of the best places to retire, with over 15% of its population being over the age of 65 and 11.9% of residents being veterans. Aside from affordability, the small town enjoys a desert setting that caters to a healthy active lifestyle. Balancing a countryside lifestyle near major metropolitan areas, Coolidge’s unique advantage compared to other small towns is a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to big city amenities, hospitals, and more. The average home price in Coolidge was valued at $299,000 in 2024, with the main healthcare facilities being in nearby cities. Top-notch healthcare facilities near the town include Arizona Heart Hospital and the Tucson Medical Center. With a population of around 13,000, Coolidge provides a peaceful and affordable retirement option, while boasting a rich historical ambiance with attractions like Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.
Finally, Douglas offers a unique take on the small-town lifestyle, located on the Mexican and American borders. Multiculturalism in town is complemented by historical elements of well-preserved attractions like the Gadsden Hotel and the Douglas Williams House, showcasing artifacts from a bygone era. Enhancing its appeal, Douglas combines natural beauty with a Wild West ambiance, offering a unique twist to the typical affordable Arizona lifestyle. Better yet, those looking to retire near the Mexican border can also choose from a wide range of senior homes, with popular options being Haven Health Douglas, Cypress Inn, and the far-out Lesan Assisted Living with a countryside retirement appeal. Seniors relocating to Douglas can own a home for as low as $193,000 while enjoying a blend of cultures, cuisines, and community events.
Ultimately, Arizona offers an array of budget-friendly towns that cater to retirees seeking a mix of affordability, natural beauty, and welcoming communities. With varying prices and appeals, retirees have numerous options when moving to Arizona. The common threads among these towns are their desert settings and rich histories. With each town having its unique quirk, it becomes easier to choose your new hometown after spending a few days in each community and getting a deeper insight into life as a local.
https://pixabay.com/photos/death-valley-valley-of-death-277020/
Over the upcoming days, all-time record high temperatures will be challenged across portions of the West. Daytime highs from Washington to Arizona can range upwards of 100 Fahrenheit, with some desert Southwest locations soaring above 115 daily.
On Friday, the heat record for the day was set in Death Valley. The mercury climbed to 127 Fahrenheit with the old mark of 122 last tied in 2013. The area hit 130 in July 2021 with the disputed record 134 in July 1913.
Also there a record high for the date of 118 in Needles, Calif., where the National Weather Service has records dating to 1888. The high of 122 edged the old mark of 121 in 2007.
And it was 124 in Palm Springs.
Around 130 million people were under threat Saturday and into next week.
Pacific Northwest, the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast could reach 100 degrees , said Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. And the humidity will be high.
Factors such as a recent lack of rainfall, low relative humidity levels and stifling temperatures will create an elevated wildfire threat.The harsh conditions can dramatically raise the risk for heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
An expansive heat wave is projected to continue across the Western states through at least early week, AccuWeather meteorologists say. The pattern of intense and elevated temperatures plaguing the region is largely due to an amplified ridge in the jet stream anchoring high pressure over it with a consistent flow of warmth from the south.
“The large and expansive heat dome across the western United States will bring record heat from the deserts of Southern California stretching northward all the way into the Pacific Northwest,” explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski.
Daytime highs will soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit across portions of Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Washington and even Idaho.
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Pydynowski highlighted that cities such as Seattle will challenge their daily records Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The heat can be particularly dangerous in some cities west of the Cascades in western Washington, such as Seattle, Olympia and Port Angeles, where many people and homes do not have air conditioning.
Across the central valleys of California and the desert and basin regions of the Southwest, highs persisting above 110 and even 115 will be conceivable over the upcoming days.
“The all-time record of 117 in Las Vegas could be broken Sunday, and daily records in Vegas could be challenged or broken nearly every day from today through at least next Thursday,” noted Pydynowski.
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Copious amounts of sunshine will continue to expand across the West through at least midweek, providing little relief for residents in terms of any shade gleaming from cloud cover. In the heart of the Southwest, locations like Las Vegas and Phoenix are forecast to have max ultraviolet (UV) index levels categorized as extreme for much of this week, ranging between 11 and 12.
At UV levels such as these, protection against sun damage is necessary for anyone outdoors during the midday hours. Items such as sunscreen, a hat, and loose-fitting and light-colored clothing are recommended in these situations.
Excessive heat warnings have been issued across the West, with many warnings lasting through at least midweek. The record-challenging heat will continue to pose a risk for anyone working outdoors, particularly during the prime heating hours of the daytime from mid-morning through the afternoon.
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Forecasters say that a slight nudge in the pattern early this week will result in some cooling along the West coast, while locations farther inland will continue to bake in the heat.
“Some relief is in sight for early next week as the heat dome shifts eastward, promoting a dip in temperatures along the Pacific coast. Temperatures in cities near the Pacific coast, including San Francisco and Oakland, California, are expected to dip to near historical averages for July,” explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Elizabeth Danco.
Danco added that as the core of the heat dome shifts eastward into the Great Basin this week, dry conditions will again be coupled with all-time record highs from interior California into parts of southern Nevada and western Arizona.
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There are currently 41 active fires across Oregon and 20 active fires in California. Forecasters warn that the ongoing heat wave and drier pattern will not improve wildfire conditions across the West.
“The heat combined with dry brush and low relative humidity across the region will continue to promote the risk for wildfires to start and spread. Individuals are urged to exercise caution when using open flames and to adhere to any bans that may be in effect,” highlighted Danco.
Although surface winds will generally be light across the majority of the West over the upcoming days, isolated gusts up to 30-40 mph may occur from areas spanning from southern Idaho to eastern Nevada, Utah and northern Arizona, which can cause any active fires to readily spread and pose challenges for firefighting crews.
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