NFL free agency 2013: Arizona Cardinals sign QB Drew Stanton

Per Mike McCartney, a reputable NFL agent, his client Drew Stanton, former quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, has signed a three-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. UPDATE: Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic is reporting that the deal is worth $8.2 million with $3 million guaranteed.

Thrilled for QB @drewstanton to sign a 3 year deal with the @azcardinals

— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 13, 2013

Terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.

With Stanton on board, the release of quarterback Kevin Kolb seems imminent at this juncture. The team will not be able to trade his $9 million salary, which will inevitably lead to his being cut, making him a free agent. That will give the Cardinals even more cap room to work with and lead to more speculation that a quarterback will be taken high in the NFL Draft this year.

Stanton comes to Arizona with experience working with Cardinals coach Bruce Arians last season in Indianapolis. For now, the depth chart at quarterback includes Stanton, Brian Hoyer (unless someone signs him to an offer sheet, which isn't likely) John Skelton, Ryan Lindley and Kevin Kolb. The latter three are likely to be cut soon enough.

Stanton has not thrown a pass in a regular season game since 2010, when he was with the Detroit Lions. That year, he played in six games, throwing for 780 yards and 4 touchdowns on a 58% completion rate.

Keep with us here at Revenge of the Birds as news continues to develop.