Arizona Cardinals: 3 Quarterback Plans If Carson Palmer Bolts
By Erik Lambert
The Arizona Cardinals knew they were on borrowed time when they traded for Carson Palmer back in 2013. Now the clock is winding down.
Word is the 37-year old quarterback is starting to contemplate his future. After a difficult 2016 season that saw a sharp regression of a Cardinals team that was in the NFC championship the year before, it’s easy to see why. As a player gets older, it becomes harder to summon up the willpower to go through another grueling off-season to prepare for another grueling regular season. Ian Rapoport indicated that Palmer and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald are considering retirement.
"“Both are contemplating walking away and have been for some time. Neither has told the team if he plans to return, though both Palmer and Fitzgerald have had frequent conversations with coaches and team decision-makers about it, sources said.”"
Losing Fitzgerald will be bad enough. Palmer on the other hand presents a serious conundrum for Arizona. Though they still have running back David Johnson, head coach Bruce Arians isn’t a fool. He knows their hopes of contending for a Super Bowl rest at quarterback. Without Palmer their viable options become limited unless they find help. This is something they’ve apparently put off for years.
The wait may be over. Problem is who do the Cardinals go after? Knowing Arians and his preferences, it will have to be a quarterback with some size, a good arm and some understanding of a pro-style offense. Keeping to those parameters, here are three names to watch closely over the next couple months if Palmer indeed checks out.