Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer’s return stunting growth

While Carson Palmer’s return makes the Arizona Cardinals viable in 2017 his decision most likely cost them their next quarterback

It was said that the Arizona Cardinals had a backup plan for the possibility of Carson Palmer retiring. While most feel the next franchise quarterback would’ve come out of April’s NFL Draft, that may not have been the case.

Instead, free agent signal-caller Mike Glennon could have been the anointed one. His name had been mentioned before when an eventual replacement for Palmer had been discussed. And, according to reports, the Cards would’ve been a top choice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneer had the opportunity presented itself.

With the incredible amount of their own free agents who will need to be dealt with, there’s no chance the club could fit both Palmer and Glennon under the salary cap in 2017. While Glennon wouldn’t be considered on the level of a Kirk Cousins, he will still command a pretty penny on the open market.

The former North Carolina State product has started games since being drafted in the third-round of the 2013 draft. Ironically, his first start came against Arizona during his rookie campaign. He played decently during that contest before two late interceptions led to a Cards’ win.

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In 13 games that season, Glennon completed 59.4% of his passes for 2,608 yards. He threw for 19 touchdowns compared to only 9 interceptions, an excellent ratio for a rookie.

Despite the fine showing in ’13, Glennon started 2014 as a backup to the newly acquired Josh McCown, a former Cardinal. He did appear in six games over the course of the year due to injuries. According to reports, there were at least six trade offers made for Glennon during the’14 draft.

Tampa Bay drafted Jameis Winston with the first-overall pick of the 2015 draft, pretty much stamping Glennon’s ticket out of town. Winston for the most part has remained healthy, so Glennon has been riding the bench. He did play in one game last season, completing 10 of 11 passes for 75 yards and a score against the Atlanta Falcons.

Only time will tell how much Arizona will miss out on by not acquiring Glennon. He appears to be a good fit for Bruce Arians’ offense, so it looks as if the marriage may have been a success. It appears now that Cards’ fans won’t be given the chance to find out.