Arizona Cardinals: 5 possible Carson Palmer successors

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer likely has two seasons at most remaining with the team

When the Arizona Cardinals lost in the NFC Championship Game to the Carolina Panthers, a lot of fans wanted to rid of him immediately. Of course the Cardinals have a lot invested in him and some were likely just talking off the cuff resulting from the sting of the huge loss.

However that doesn’t mean the Cardinals should ignore facts. Palmer is only under contract for a couple more years and then he is likely to retire. If they win it all in 2016, I would not be surprised to see him hang it up then. This only means one thing, the Cardinals need to prepare for his successor now. Here are five possible successors to Palmer.

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Christian Hackenberg (14) attempts to pass the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the 2nd half game of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Christian Hackenberg

The Penn State quarterback has an arm, something required for a Bruce Arians offense. He is projected as a second-third round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Cardinals have to think long and hard about taking someone in the draft. If they do it in this draft it will have to be the best available in the second or third round. It just isn’t that deep of a draft for quarterbacks this year.

Hackenberg thrived in Bill O’Brien’s defense at Penn State but saw a decline in number after he left for the Houston Texans. He can throw deep and look pretty while doing it. I’d say if Hackenburg isn’t around by the time the Cardinals select in one of those two rounds then the best quarterbacks are likely gone. Wait for 2017.

Next: Barking up the right tree?

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