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2018 quarterback predictions: The biggest re-shuffling in NFL history

By Sayre Bedinger

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 09: Baker Mayfield, quarterback of the Oklahoma Sooners, speaks to the media during a press conference after the 2017 Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis December 9, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 09: Baker Mayfield, quarterback of the Oklahoma Sooners, speaks to the media during a press conference after the 2017 Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis December 9, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have a big decision to make coming up with Carson Palmer, his inability to stay healthy, and his massive cap hit.

The Cardinals can save around $14 million if they let go of Palmer this offseason, and if they can land this year’s Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield in the first round of the draft, I think that is a distinct possibility.

Mayfield seems like the type of player who would really respond well to Bruce Arians’ coaching style, and I think this would be a great player-coach fit at the next level.

The Cardinals will likely be picking just outside the top 10, so they are in perfect range to get Mayfield, and I think they could build an offense around him there with David Johnson and the Cardinals could bring back Blaine Gabbert for another year if they want a ‘bridge’ to Mayfield.

I think he’ll be ready to start in the NFL immediately, however, and the Cardinals have a chance to surround him with some significant weapons if they save all that money by releasing Palmer.

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