Arizona Cardinals: 5 bold predictions for 2017

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January 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws under pressure against Los Angeles Rams defensive end William Hayes (95) during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Carson Palmer will return

He just turned 37 last week. His numbers from 2015 are down. He went from 35 touchdown passes to 26 but some of that had to do with his receivers. Some of it also had to do with the emergence of running back David Johnson.

Johnson had 16 touchdowns on the ground. Palmer has had some decision issues and has thrown a few ill-advisable passes in the red zone. However his receivers have run incorrect routes at times and we know the issues some had with drops this season. We also know about the offensive line issues.

I can’t see Palmer walking away with the talent on offense that remains. He does need some more help though. Although his decision to return or not could rely on what receiver Larry Fitzgerald decides, I believe he still comes back for one more season either regardless.

Coming back allows the Cardinals to go draft a quarterback that can be groomed for 2018 and beyond. Last week head coach Bruce Arians said Palmer was a father figure to the younger players. He is a real leader on this team.

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