NFC West gets stronger after Cardinals upgrade QB position with Carson Palmer.
The Arizona Cardinals have traded their sixth round pick in 2013 and a performance based pick in 2014, to sign Carson Palmer as their new starting Quarterback.
The acquisition will see him become the immediate starter in Arizona, and will upgrade an offensive unit that was the worst for total offence in 2012.
Palmer will make $16m in base salary over the next two season with the team, and can earn up to $20m in total including bonuses.
The team had four different starters at the position during the season, with inconsistency, poor play and a lack of leadership the main reasons behind the lack of production.
Carson Palmer brings experience and leadership to the unit, and will be able to fully utilise the ability of wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who whilst being an elite player at his position, has not had a Quarterback that has been capable of giving him 100+ receptions a year since Kurt Warner in 2008.
Arizona can now shift their focus towards the number seven pick in the NFL draft. With a Quarterback to build a team around, they must now solidify an offensive line that gave up 49 sacks last year.
Head coach Bruce Arians is an offensive minded coach, who will look to maximise the play of Palmer, and develop a system around him and Fitzgerald.
While instant success may not happen, a good draft followed by another good off-season next year, the Cardinals could be back into contention in a very close NFC West division.
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