The Arizona Cardinals continue to work through their starting quarterback issues. The team released Kevin Kolb after he failed to become the franchise quarterback they were hoping for. The team is rumored to be looking at a quarterback to take in this year's draft, but for now all signs point towards newly acquired Drew Stanton to take over the starting position.
Stanton was signed to a three-year contract earlier in March. It was assumed then he would be backup, but after the release of Kolb, the team is reportedly putting their confidence in Stanton starting under center. New head coach Bruce Arians believes Stanton could become the team's leader.
"I have all the confidence in the world with Stanton being our starter," Arians said.
He continued on to note that the team is looking to settle the issue of a starting quarterback quickly so the offense can begin to pick up a rhythm. They do not want quarterback competition in training camp. The idea of Stanton as a starter is not a crazy idea. This will be his seventh year in the league; however he has not seen much action since 2010. He has played in six games, starting three of them and completing 58 percent of he passes for four touchdowns and three interceptions.
Arians is very familiar with Stanton. He was Andrew Luck's backup last year with the Colts while Arians was offensive coordinator and interim head coach for the team. Stanton's experience and familiarity with Arians' system makes him an easy choice for a starter.
With Stanton getting the nod at quarterback, this may take Arizona out of the running to get Geno Smith in the NFL draft. The Cardinals pick No. 7 overall and were rumored to be interested in the former West Virginia quarterback. If Stanton is indeed their guaranteed starter, Smith will likely go to another team. This opens the door for the Cardinals to draft a defensive player with their top pick and address those needs.
