Bruce Arians reminds: Drew Stanton is the backup quarterback for Carson Palmer in 2017

There's been a debate being had in the Arizona Cardinals quarterback situation with the addition of Blaine Gabbert.

Many thought that maybe Gabbert could take over that role from Drew Stanton.

That was never going to happen.

Let me explain.

The Cardinals and their staff trust Stanton inherently as the guy who can keep them afloat for a game, for two games for half a season.

They believe in his understanding of the offense and the ability to do what Bruce Arians wants him to do. That's why he is also in his fifth season with the Arizona Cardinals.

However, it is clear that the Cardinals do not see Stanton as the long-term, heir apparent to Carson Palmer as the quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals.

That's why, every season, they've had a young quarterback on the roster. It gives the staff time to evaluate the quarterbacks and see if they could possibly be the answer.

Through five years, the answer is no.

That's why when Arians announced today at the Stanton is the Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback, no one should have been surprised.

Also, no one should take that as Blaine Gabbert is not working out. He's only months into his year long apprenticeship, he's going to continue to be evaluated for the future, not for being the main backup.

We'll know what the Cardinals think when they either extend him, or bring in another body of the QB scrap heap.

For now, it's all Gabbert for the future. Yet, there was never a doubt it was Drew Stanton as the backup quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals in 2017. Some people just wanted to act like there was.