ARIZONA CARDINALS

ESPN’s Yates: Cardinals have ninth-best backup quarterback situation

Jul 25, 2017, 12:30 PM

QBs Blaine Gabbert and Drew Stanton chat during an OTA practice June 1. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizon...

QBs Blaine Gabbert and Drew Stanton chat during an OTA practice June 1. (Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

(Photo by Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

Carson Palmer is 37-years old. In the last three years alone, he has bruised a nerve in his shoulder, tore his ACL, dislocated his right index finger and sustained a concussion.

With a prevalent injury history and his future unknown, the guys playing behind him could be vital.

Those backups, as of now, are Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert.

Stanton has been Palmer’s backup since 2014 and has shown to be more then capable of coming in right away and winning games. In 2014, Palmer’s injuries resulted in Stanton starting eight games, coming out with a 5-3 record.

Gabbert joined the Cardinals this offseason after spending 2016 with the 49ers. The former first-round pick, now going into his seventh season, kicked off last season as the starter, but a 1-4 record resulted in him being demoted to the backup.

With two guys behind Palmer that have plenty of experience, ESPN’s Field Yates puts the Cardinals backup quarterback situation as the ninth-best in the NFL.

In Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert, the Cardinals have a clearly defined hierarchy behind Carson Palmer. Stanton has served as Palmer’s backup since 2013, going 6-3 in starts. Former first-round pick Gabbert began the 2016 season as San Francisco’s starter but lost his job after going 1-4 while throwing five touchdown passes and six interceptions. He can be a suitable third-string QB while Arizona searches for the long-term successor to the 37-year-old Palmer.

The other quarterback on the Cardinals training camp roster is Trevor Knight. The rookie undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M isn’t likely to make the Cardinals’ final 53-man roster but should see extended time during the Cardinals’ five preseason games.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Vincent DeAngelis

PFF’s Spielberger grades Cardinals’ free agent class among worst in NFL

PFF's Brad Spielberger gave the Cardinals' free agent class a "C" grade in his latest rankings. It was the worst grade among all 32 teams.

3 hours ago

Jonah Williams pressure Sam Darnold...

Tyler Drake

Report: Free agent DL Jonah Williams visiting Arizona Cardinals this week

Defensive lineman Jonah Williams is visiting the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings this week, according to Aaron Wilson.

11 hours ago

Casita seating at the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ new suite options at State Farm Stadium include casitas

The Arizona Cardinals on Monday announced new luxury seating options for 2024, including custom casita suites at State Farm Stadium.

15 hours ago

Justin Fields...

Associated Press

Quarterback carousel: Bears trade Justin Fields to Steelers to clear way for top pick

The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night for draft compensation.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2025 guarantees kick in

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray had nearly $30 million guaranteed for the 2025 season kick in by remaining on Arizona's roster by Saturday.

2 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. celebrates with Kyler Murray...

Tyler Drake

Which side of the line will Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. command in 2024?

Even before the Cardinals released D.J. Humphries, there was already talk of Paris Johnson Jr. making the switch from right to left.

3 days ago

ESPN’s Yates: Cardinals have ninth-best backup quarterback situation