Arizona Cardinals: Looking for the Quarterback of the Future
The Arizona Cardinals have been searching for a franchise quarterback for some time
The Arizona Cardinals look for the QBOTF (Quarterback of the future) has been ongoing. General Manager Steve Keim even recently stated that he has not stopped looking for a young QB to tie to his name and career.
Right now is the ideal time for the Cardinals to find the man to replace Carson Palmer. Although this draft class lacks many players that stand above the rest at the position, the mixture of the draft class, free agency, and the trade block makes the search intriguing. Below I will provide first a list of the definite “nays,” and second I will provide a list of possible “yays.”
NAYS
Tony Romo
Romo’s age as well as his injury history is more than enough reason for the Cardinals to NOT attempt to pick up the former Dallas play-caller. With Romo being around the same age as Carson, is there really any reason to bring in a fragile veteran that will stay no longer than a couple seasons after the Palmer era ends?
Not to mention the interception problem that plagues Romo. Yes, I am aware that his INT numbers are not as bad as many believe, but I remember Palmer’s first season in cardinal red. I also remember all of the INTs that accompanied his learning the Bruce Arians’ playbook.
Jay Cutler
To begin, Cutler seemingly lacks the leadership abilities that the Cardinals will desperately need following the eventual departure of Larry Fitzgerald and Carson Palmer. To build off of that, Cutler is also coming off of an injury plagued season.
Much like Romo, he is not an ideal age for a QBOTF. On a side note: the possible tension that could result in pairing Arians with Cutler is dangerous if Cutler does indeed lack the needed leadership qualities.
Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins has a ton of upside. He is coming off of a year that he posted 4,900+ yards and almost sent Washington into the playoffs.
One word can sum up why Arizona chasing Cousins (if he is not franchise tagged by Washington) is a bad idea: MONEY. The Cardinals are already in a bad salary cap situation; adding a high priced QB will only deplete the rest of the team’s talent.
Colin Kaepernick
I am a strong believer that Kaep is still capable of being a solid starter in the NFL. Will he be a perennial Pro Bowler?
It is not likely, but it is likely that he can contribute to the revitalization of a QB needy team. Why will Kaep in Arizona not work? Bruce Arians will not mold his offense primarily around a single player. To succeed, Kaep needs a team that is determined to work to his strengths and build a team around various option concepts.