It's questionable, however, if they will decide to pay that much in cold, hard cash over the next few months. The organization's commitment to winning will be tested, and fans are ready to judge.

Cardinals ownership and management have talked often about how a new stadium has allowed them to better compete. Fans will be looking for them to prove it this off-season.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Running back: The Cardinals struggled to run for most of the season. Edgerrin James will be released this spring and J.J. Arrington signed with Denver. That leaves Tim Hightower as the only back on the roster.

2. Outside linebacker: The Cardinals are old and beat up at those two positions and need some youth, especially if the youngster can rush the passer.

3. Center: Starter Lyle Sendlein improved as the year progressed, but the Cardinals could use more strength inside.

MEDICAL WATCH: OLB/DE Travis LaBoy needs surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon suffered in the NFC title game. He is likely to miss most of the spring workouts.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: LB Karlos Dansby: Tendered at $9.678M.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--LB Monty Beisel is an excellent backup who can play inside and out. He could return for $1 million or so a year.

--DE Bertrand Berry will be 34 next season, but he led the team in tackles. He played for $1 million last season and likely would return for that.

--G Elton Brown has been a backup for most of his four seasons. He has ability but has difficulty controlling his weight. He likely will sign elsewhere.

--CB Ralph Brown is a solid nickel and dime corner. A 10-year veteran, he's a great influence on younger players. Could return for a reasonable price.

--P Ben Graham was great at pinning teams inside the 20 but his hang time was lacking. Club is likely to bring him back.

--CB Eric Green went from starter to backup to inactive. Coaches didn't like his attitude and he is as good as gone.

--OLB Clark Haggans played very well until suffering a foot injury late in the year. Cards should be able to re-sign him for $1 million or so.

--G/C Scott Peters suffered a severe knee injury in camp. He likely won't return.

--FB Terrelle Smith is still an effective blocker and he is anxious to stay in Arizona. He might be expendable, however, because the club has Tim Castille.

--TE Jerame Tuman showed his age this season, was cut in December and then brought back because of injuries. He won't return.

--QB Kurt Warner is a high priority in free agency and the Cardinals are hopeful of re-signing him to a two-year deal.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (not tendered)

--C Pat Ross (not tendered as ERFA) was the backup all year.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--TE Leonard Pope (tendered at $1.01M with third-round pick as compensation) is a decent player but he has trouble picking up nuances of the offense.

--NT Gabe Watson (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) played through knee difficulties. A solid player.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--CB Michael Adams is only about 5-8 but he's competitive and a special teams standout.

--FB Tim Castille is a decent special teamer who must improve his blocking.

--TE Ben Patrick has the talent to be a solid starter

--TE Stephen Spach was the starter before suffering a torn ACL in the playoffs.

--C Lyle Sendlein started all 16 games and might be due for a longer-term deal.

--LB Pago Togafau is undersized, but played on a lot of special teams.

--T Elliot Vallejo has good size and decent feet. This is a key off-season for him.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--QB Brian St. Pierre: UFA; $1M/1 yr.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--S Keith Lewis: FA 49ers; terms unknown.

PLAYERS LOST

--RB J.J. Arrington: UFA Broncos; 4 yrs, terms unknown.

--LS Nathan Hodel (released/failed physical).

--DE Antonio Smith: UFA Texans $35.5M/5 yrs, $12.5M guaranteed.