Arizona Cardinals: Looking for the Quarterback of the Future
YAYS
Jimmy Garoppolo
Let’s start with the only downside to dealing for Garoppolo. His experience and the fact that he only has one year left on his contract.
Why is this not much of an issue? He already has more experience than any rookie that could possibly be acquired in the draft (NE will likely ask for a first rounder in return), and next season Arizona will have extra cap space with the likely retirements on Palmer and Fitzgerald.
Garoppolo has shown promise in limited action, and he is learning under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. If nothing else, Bruce Arians can get a one year audition, and Jimmy get paid if the team is impressed.
Arizona losing a first round pick is not as big a deal as people may believe. In the past, 1st rounders have been more of a miss as Deone Bucannon is the only rookie under the current regime to play a substantial amount and have an impact as a rookie (Jonathan Cooper, Bucannon, D.J. Humphries, and Robert Nkemdiche).
Mike Glennon
Glennon was drafted by Tampa Bay as a franchise quarterback a few years ago, but he now finds himself backing up Jameis Winston. Glennon, because of his combination of extraordinary throw power, experience, and age, could find himself in the middle of a bidding war.
Some believe that this war could be between Bruce Arians and his former DC, Todd Bowles of the NYJ. The Cardinals do not have as much cap room to deal with, but Arians was interested in Glennon coming out of college as he fits the Cardinals’ offense with his size and strong arm.
Could this second go-around give Glennon a shot at NFL success? It definitely could if Glennon takes less cash for a chance to win.
Deshaun Watson
Watson is going to make one NFL team very happy come regular season. I understand that college success means nothing in the pros (just look at Johnny Football), but I firmly believe that Watson can contribute to the game.
He is a young QB that can put a team on his back, whether it be through the air or on the ground. Watson simply does what it takes to win. The only problem with Watson going to Arizona would be whether or not he still remains on the board at the time the Cardinals pick.
Geno Smith
Similar to Jay Cutler, Geno’s leadership is in question. On the other hand, Geno is a talented, young quarterback that is not prone to injury.
Yes, Geno did suffer an injury in his limited time this past season, and he did suffer a broken jaw the year before (non-football related), but that says nothing about the potential future of the young QB. His skill set is one that intrigues.
He has the wheels to take off at any time as well as evade pressure. The leadership issue is not as great as people believe. Arians and Keim could bring Geno Smith in on a 2-3 year deal this offseason and likely for a substantially smaller amount than most other QBs would ask for. He will have one year to learn from Palmer and Fitzgerald while also learning Arians’ system (a system that fits his strong arm).
Robert Griffin III
No, this is no joke. With all personal bias aside, Bruce Arians could make a man (or QB) of RG3. His injuries have been a problem in recent years, but those same injuries will also help Arizona by lowering the price tag.
His arm strength has not dwindled as he hit Terrell Pryor deep on a few of throws in limited time last season. At the least, Keim should bring RG3 in on a veteran minimum as a “hail mary” if no deal is reached with any other young signal caller.