Kurt

Warner

The veteran quarterback is a free agent and said he wants to return to Arizona. But that was before his old mentor Martz agreed to take the reigns of the Lions’ offense. The former NFL and Super Bowl MVP could challenge Joey Harrington for the starting job and probably would do better getting the ball to Detroit’s talented receivers.

Momentum in the Giants QB race appears to be heading in one direction.

Watch Warner’s practice reports before starting him, but he’ll likely be listed as probable. He’s a decent play versus the Packers this week.

“He told Eli [Manning] and me the situation and that he has a plan,” Warner said. “There wasn’t much to read into it. He said, ‘This is the way it is this week and we’ll go from there.’” Manning admitted that neither he nor Warner knows the plan, they just go along with it.

Lovie Smith certainly had an up-close look at Warner’s decline in St. Louis. Chicago needs a veteran QB they can count on, but there are plenty of alternatives.

Logically, Warner is their top pick. Garcia has been a free agent for over a week and they haven’t offered him a contract.

They run the same system as St. Louis and have a need for an established backup behind Rex Grossman.

The Giants system isn’t nearly as good a fit as Chicago, where we also expect interest to emerge. Warner would also have to be cool with tutoring Manning while possibly serving as a one-year starter. We don’t like his fantasy prospects wherever he ends up.

After minicamp, GM Jerry Angelo reportedly is pleased with the combination of Rex Grossman and Jonathon Quinn. Grossman has high upside, but likely won’t be drafted in most 12 team/1 starting QB leagues.

Warner will undergo a physical today and should be considered the heavy favorite to be the Eli Manning tutor in New York this season. We’d guess he’ll be the early season starter if signed.