Arizona Cardinals: 20 players on bubble for 2018

By Scott Allen | Dec 23, 2017

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the first half of the NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 09: Quarterback Drew Stanton #5 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the second half of the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 9, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Drew Stanton

Stanton is back to being the Cardinals starting quarterback, for at least a week. On Christmas Eve he will return as starter against the New York Giants.

However some see the move as a possible thank you to Stanton for his five years with the Cardinals and taking them through some tough times. Others see it as the evaluation period for Gabbert has ended.

However you look at it, Stanton’s time in Arizona has likely run its course. The only possible way he remains here is if the Cardinals don’t come to terms with Gabbert and bring Palmer back for one more season to mentor a rookie quarterback.

That scenario means Stanton would likely return one more season as backup. At this point though signs don’t point favorably in that direction for Stanton.

So this Sunday, it may be the last time you see Stanton play on the field for the Cardinals. Merry Christmas.

Return in 2018 prediction: No

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