Five reasons to keep Blaine Gabbert beyond 2017

1. Gives the Arizona Cardinals some security at the quarterback position

Carson Palmer will turn 38 in December and although his contract expires after the 2018 NFL season, he could possibly retire after the conclusion of the upcoming season. Just like Gabbert, Drew Stanton will be a free agent after this season, leaving Trevor Knight as the only QB under contract. Gabbert brings to the Cardinals six seasons of NFL experience, started 40/43 games. At worst, he can be a decent and affordable backup.

2. The NFL has not seen his true capabilities into year two of an offensive system

Here is a list of offensive coordinators he has worked with: Dirt Koetter, Bob Bratkowski, Jedd Fisch, Greg Roman, Geep Chryst and Curtis Modkins

It is difficult for any quarterback to succeed when he constantly has to learn a new playbook every year. There is no time for development and growth in any given system. He can’t even showcase his comprehension of any offensive playbook when there seems to be an expiration date of one season stamped on it every year. The fact that he had to play behind some of the worst offensive lines every year of his NFL career doesn’t help. Lackluster play makers don’t help either. What is he capable of doing in year two of Bruce Arians-Harold Goodwin system? Bruce Arians is one of the best coaches in the NFL with one of the better rosters in the league. If he can’t save him, no one can.

3. His athleticism brings more flexibility, in terms of play calling

Carson Palmer is the ideal pocket passer. Drew Stanton can run but stays mostly in the pocket. Blaine Gabbert is a pocket passer as well but if need be, he can gain a lot of yardage with his feet. Now that David Johnson is one of the best running backs in the league, teams will be giving him more attention. Remember when J.J. Nelson and Kerwynn Williams took it to the house? Everyone thought Johnson was getting the ball. Maybe a few read option plays will be available for the athletic quarterback. Could be helpful on fourth downs. He can make the offense even more unpredictable.

4. Gabbert has all of the physical tools

Palmer and Stanton can sling the ball deep down the field. Gabbert brings the same trait to the Arizona Cardinals. We have seen inconsistent accuracy from him though. One game he looks good and the next looks bad. I believe his inconsistency is a result to poor coaching and discontinuous playbooks. Other than what Gabbert has produced so far, there is a lot to like from a physical standpoint. He has the size (6-4, 235), speed, and arm strength that teams covet in a pocket passer. Arians has said that he liked Gabbert when he was an NFL Draft prospect and now, he gets to coach him. He also praised him for his ability to complete passes into tight windows. Hopefully the Cardinals can see him succeed.

5. If he can become a decent starter for the Cardinals, Steve Keim doesn’t have to force a quarterback selection in any NFL Draft

It is very possible that Carson Palmer will retire after the conclusion of the 2017 NFL season. This might make Keim feel obligated to take a quarterback earlier than they would like. Though the GM has said to trust the draft board and that taking the wrong quarterback in the first round could set the team back, a Palmer retirement could force him to take that risk.

I am not saying Blaine Gabbert is the QBOTF nor am I saying he is guaranteed to make the roster this season and beyond. I am merely suggesting that keeping the veteran will give the Cardinals, at least, a younger backup quarterback to rely upon for the future, even though I know many people are against the idea of having Gabbert start in any game for the Cardinals. If he can live up to the expectations that people had of him during the NFL Draft process, Arizona can continue building the talent on offense and defense without worrying about taking a quarterback too early. As a result when the QBOTF arrives, he will be placed in the best position to succeed.