Arizona Cardinals need top quarterback to stir interest
By Jim Koch
After an uninspiring coaching hire, and no quarterback to speak of, the Arizona Cardinals need to make an offseason splash
The Arizona Cardinals may have seen this coming. After a few seasons of excitement, interest has died down in the desert. The retirements of Bruce Arians and Carson Palmer have left a need for an exciting acquisition.
Sure, new coach Steve Wilks is getting rave reviews. The former defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers is well-regarded, and has convinced Cards’ management that he’s the real deal. That’s all well and good, but a sexy hire Wilks is not.
To get the fans back on board, general manager Steve Keim needs to do something drastic. Acquiring a quarterback who’s capable of great things would get people talking about the Cardinals again. There’s one signal-caller in particular who’d make Arizona viable the moment he signs his name to a contract.
Kirk Cousins will be the darling of the NFL’s upcoming free agency period. There will be no shortage of suitors for the former starting passer of the Washington Redskins. The competition to land the 29-year old will be fierce, which would make landing Cousins that much sweeter.
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Keim did reportedly make a play for another high-profile player. Quarterback Alex Smith was in the Cards’ sights, but was ultimately traded to the ‘Skins. The former Kansas City Chief’s arrival in the nation’s capital is the reason for Cousins’ availability.
Cousins would appear to be an excellent fit with the Cardinals. Palmer’s departure has left a void that will not be easy to fill. Cousins certainly has the tools to keep the offense performing at a high level.
Arizona may very well be an attractive destination for a signal-caller such as Cousins. Running back David Johnson is a flat-out stud, and the defense ranked sixth-overall in the NFL last year. Bringing Cousins to the club may even convince wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald to continue his stellar career.
The Cards need to find their way back onto the map, so to speak. Two consecutive non-winning campaigns has shifted attention away the organization. Keim needs to do whatever it takes to get the “Bird Gang” captivated again.