An interesting competition between Carson Palmer and Blaine Gabbert for the Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback job may be ahead
There appears to be no end to the Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback drama. While the rest of the NFC West looks to be set at the all-important position, the Cards continue to have question marks. Any opinion on who will be the club’s starter in 2018 would be nothing more than an uneducated guess at this time.
Blaine Gabbert is currently auditioning for the spot. Head coach Bruce Arians has said that the evaluation of the former first-round draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars is still ongoing. Four more games for the 28-year old journeyman to prove that he can be a top-tier passer in the NFL.
There could be something intriguing on the horizon, however. Carson Palmer has not indicated whether or not he’ll be returning next year. At the moment, the soon-to-be 38-year old is the only Arizona signal-caller under contract to the team for next season.
More from Raising Zona
- Would Jonathan Gannon be a good fit for the Arizona Cardinals?
- Arizona Cardinals: Budda Baker right in his take regarding the next coach
- Arizona Cardinals: 3 reasons new coach should want to work with Murray
- Arizona Cardinals special teams could be completely revamped in 2023
- Jonathan Gannon will interview with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday
Arians told reporters earlier in the week that an extension for Gabbert could be in the works. If that was to happen, and Palmer decided that he’d like to return, an old-fashioned quarterback competition could be at hand. One that would be extremely interesting, in fact.
Upon revealing that Gabbert could be extended, Arians also proclaimed that it’s Palmer’s job if he’s back in ’18. Apparently meaning that even if he excels during the final quarter of this campaign, Gabbert will be the backup if Palmer’s around. Despite Arians’ proclamation, one can’t help but think that a fierce training camp duel for the right to be the organization’s top gunslinger could still take place.
And that would make for one heck of an exciting summer. Would Palmer even bother to come back if he’s not guaranteed to be number-one on the depth chart? Get your popcorn ready Cardinals’ fanatics, this offseason’s quarterback story is shaping up to be a fascinating one.