Former Port Adelaide premiership player Kane Cornes has warned Carlton about breaking the bank on star midfielder Patrick Cripps should he re-sign for the club.

The Perth-born 26-year-old is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Blues and will be a restricted free agent in the summer should he not secure a new deal in time.

Speaking on Footy Classified, Cornes has questioned whether the two-time All-Australian is worth any more than his adversaries at other clubs.

"I don't think he hurts you like some of the other elite midfielders in the competition.

"I like him as a player, don't get me wrong, but I just wouldn't pay him along the lines of the Dangerfields, Bontempellis of the world."

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Cripps has won the club's best and fairest three times in his eight seasons with the club and is currently co-captain with defender Sam Docherty.

However, Cornes has named the figure that he thinks the Blues should offer the 26-year-old to keep him at Ikon Park.

"I think he's a $750,000 player over four years, that's the level I'd be comfortable paying him.

"Lachie Neale wins a Brownlow, he's probably on $800,000, Patrick Dangerfield we know is probably not earning that type of money. I'd love him on my team, he's a great captain, he's tough, but he doesn't hurt you."

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A player who Cripps is frequently compared to with his 'bull-like' manner of play is the enigmatic Dustin Martin.

Back in 2017, Martin signed a record-breaking seven year deal worth a staggering $1.3 million per season with Richmond.

Since then, the 29-year-old has gone on to win three flags with the Tigers, as well as three Norm Smith medals and a Brownlow.

Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has warned that if the Blues are reckless and throw money at Cripps, there is a danger it could backfire, similar to Collingwood's Brodie Grundy.

"You do not want to overpay someone, like we've talked about with Brodie Grundy, (Collingwood) probably got caught up seven years versus $7 million."

Cripps' Round 1 showing against the reigning premiers Richmond was energetic, racking up 28 disposals and looking as dangerous as ever.

PATRICK CRIPPS
Midfielder
Carlton
2021 SEASON AVG
23.4
Disposals
4.3
Tackles
5.3
Clearances

On Thursday the Blues go up against the Pies under the lights at the MCG, with Cripps aiming to lead his side to their first win of season 2021 over their arch rivals.