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It seems odd to talk so much about a backup quarterback as we have this offseason, but when the starting quarterback is older and has a history of some injuries and the team is in a championship window, it becomes important. With Drew Stanton set to become a free agent, there is some intrigue.
As it stands right now, it appears Stanton might be on his way out, although Arizona wants to keep him around.
Head coach Bruce Arians, appearing on Arizona Sports 98.7 on Monday, said it was a priority to bring him back and he trusts him completely to won a championship.
However, according to reporter Kent Somers, citing an NFL source, it is "not looking good" for his return. Without knowing the specifics, it is speculated it comes down to money.
Stanton has previously said he would like to stay, but if he has to go, he will.
He is likely expecting to be paid at least $4 million. Chad Henne, a career 5-17 starter, recently signed a contract to back up Blake Bortles and got two years and $8 million. Stanton was 5-3 in 2014 as a starter and threw the winning touchdown pass in a game he finished for Carson Palmer when he went down for the season with a knee injury.
If Stanton signs elsewhere, there are slim pickings in the free agent market in terms of established backups. If Arizona cannot sign one, they will either have Matt Barkley, entering his fourth year in the NFL without ever starting a game or a rookie they draft in April.
If that is the case, then things will really depend on Palmer to stay healthy.