Arizona Cardinals lineman Adam Snyder sticks up for Kevin Kolb

There has been chatter about the Arizona Cardinals’ search for a “franchise quarterback” since Kurt Warner decided to retire from the NFL following the 2009 season.

That chatter is present even now as the Cardinals begin preparation for their fourth season A.K. (After Kurt).

Some are questioning whether Arizona should pick a QB like West Virginia’s Geno Smith or USC’s Matt Barkley with their first round pick. Others are speculating whether the Cards should pursue trades for veterans like Kansas City’s Matt Cassel or New England’s Ryan Mallett.

It seems nobody is considering any of the Cardinals’ in-house options as a viable solution for 2013 and beyond. Even Kevin Kolb, who led the Cardinals to a 4-0 start before suffering a serious rib injury in Week 6 against Buffalo, is being discounted by the masses — and one of Kolb’s teammates is tired of it.

Offensive lineman Adam Snyder, who started 14 games at right guard and center in 2012, took to Twitter late Thursday to vent his frustration on the matter.

Kevin is a hell of a leader and a great football player. It’s our job to let him show his potential. We will be better. All of us.

— Adam Snyder (@ASnyds68) March 1, 2013

I know I’m sick of hearing about it. He has everything you want in a QB. I’ve seen it first hand.

— Adam Snyder (@ASnyds68) March 1, 2013

Kolb has been the subject of much speculation because of his hefty contract and his inability to stay healthy. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported earlier this month that the Cardinals will try to re-work Kolb’s deal, but if that can’t be done, the two sides will “move on”.

Earlier this offseason, team president Michael Bidwill spoke publicly about Kolb’s contract and the need to restructure it.

“Kevin’s contract is probably something we’re going to need to address,” he said. “It’s a big number and given the productivity and the questions about durability and everything, that’s something that I think the reality is we need to sit down and discuss.”

Before his injury, Kolb completed 109-of-183 passes for 1,169 yards and despite playing in only six games, still led the Cardinals with eight touchdown passes.

Kolb is due a $2 million roster bonus on March 15.

Follow @Vincemarotta