Arizona Cardinals: 5 possible starting quarterbacks in 2018

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass during the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass during the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
1 of 6
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals are in need of a new starting quarterback after the retirement of Carson Palmer

The day we all knew would eventually come.  The day the Arizona Cardinals knew would eventually come.  It is time to find a new starting quarterback.

The Cardinals likely have been planning for this inevitability for awhile, however they would have likely stayed with Palmer as the starter in 2018 had he not retired.  Now, the big question is will the new starter come via free agency or via the draft ion April?

They could still get both.  If they do sign a top free agent quarterback, then they could afford to take their chances with a high to mid round quarterback in the draft without giving up the farm.

The good thing is that Palmer gave the team a quick decision.  That allows the Cardinals as much time as possible to set their strategy for 2018 and beyond.

Free agency will start the second week of March.  The draft is April 26-28 in Dallas.  So who should the Cardinals target in both areas?

Chances are they will not get one of the top four quarterbacks in the draft unless they do make a move to trade up.  Baker Mayfield could fall to them at 15 but certainly no guarantees.

There are some decent options in free agency this year.  The trick this time is not settle on just a free agent quarterback though if they do go that route. At some point they need a young quarterback they can build a future around.

Schedule