Quarterback Carson Palmer (3) has signed a three-year extension, putting him under contract through 2017.
After Kurt Warner retired, the Cardinals searched constantly for the quarterback who could replace him.
Last year's trade for Carson Palmer provided that answer, and at this point, the Cardinals certainly didn't want to lose him.
With Palmer set to have his contract voided just a few days after the Super Bowl, putting him on a path to free agency, the Cardinals and the veteran agreed Friday to a three-year extension that puts the soon-to-be-35-year-old under contract through the 2017 season. The Arizona Republic reported the deal is worth slightly more than $20 million guaranteed, with an average of $15.8 million a season.
General Manager Steve Keim had made no secret of the desire to come to a new deal with Palmer. But working out the money – and with
a pause after Palmer was dealing with his hard-to-predict nerve issue in his throwing shoulder – added to the process.
Palmer was unavailable for comment.
The Cardinals now have Palmer, backup Drew Stanton and third-stringer Logan Thomas under contract for 2015. Keim continues to say if there is a quarterback available early in the draft that the team really likes, they will not hesitate to take him.
Having Palmer in place provides stability. After throwing for 4,274 yards in his first year with the team, Palmer is so far turning in one of his best seasons as a pro in 2014. Despite missing three games with the nerve problem, Palmer has completed 116 of 188 passes (61.7 percent) for 1,385 yards, 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He has thrown multiple touchdown passes in every game and has a passing rating of 99.3.
In 21 starts with the Cardinals, Palmer has a 15-6 record – the best record for a franchise QB through 21 starts.
"Carson has played at an incredibly high level and has been a huge part of the team's success," Keim said in a statement. "When you combine his on-field performance with the leadership, stability and professionalism he brings to our team, there was no question that we wanted to extend the relationship and we are excited he felt the same way."
When news of a potential extension first starting circulating last month, Palmer shrugged off the talk.
"I'm just trying to find a way to get another win, and those things, as everyone says, those things handle themselves, and those things do handle themselves," Palmer said prior to the Eagles game.
"Whether you're in your 12th year or second year, it's a week-to-week league. There is no down the road, there is no window of opportunity with the way contracts are structured and the way turnover is now. It's year to year, but right now during the thick of things it's week to week."
Images of QB Carson Palmer.
Carson Palmer and Bruce Arians at an introductory press conference following his trade from the Raiders.
Palmer talks with Kurt Warner.
Palmer signing autographs at training camp.
Palmer in the tunnel before the game.
Palmer chats with Aaron Rodgers after a preseason game.
Palmer with Drew Brees.
Arians and Palmer talk before a game.
Palmer throws to Jim Dray against the 49ers.
Palmer directs traffic against the Rams.
Palmer in the tunnel before a game.
Palmer playing golf in the offseason.
Palmer with a headset, sporting his Movember mustache.
Palmer sacked against the Seahawks.
Palmer on the sidelines.
Palmer running out during introductions.
Palmer celebrates a touchdown against the Titans.
Palmer and Russell Wilson.
Palmer sitting on the bench during a game.
Palmer gets hit by the Panthers.
Palmer catching up with his former college coach, Pete Carroll.
Palmer preparing to hike the ball.
Palmer talking to Lyle Sendlein.
Palmer makes a throw against the Texans.
Palmer passes downfield against the Eagles.
Palmer stretching at training camp.
Palmer throws against the Titans.
