While there had been some rumors that Cardinals QB Carson Palmer would call it a career after his team finished 7-8-1 in 2016, it never seemed likely that it would actually happen. After Larry Fitzgerald announced he’d return for the 2017 season himself recently, it seemed obvious that Palmer would follow suit. And today, he announced that he will return to the Cardinals for next season.
Though he is now 37 and “got the hell beat out of him” last season as Bruce Arians said, Palmer never seemed to doubt he’d return for another go.
“My intent was to take some time after the season to get away and see where I was physically and mentally,” Palmer said. “On both fronts, I can say I’m ready to get back to work and prepare for the 2017 season. This is a phenomenal group with a very special opportunity in front of it. I know how rare that is and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.”
A decision needed to be made quickly either way, as Palmer’s $15.5 million salary for 2017 becomes guaranteed tomorrow. He’s signed through 2018. While he waited until the last possible minute to make his decision, he and his coach never seemed to doubt what the eventual outcome would be. Palmer missed one game last season due to a concussion and was hit the third-most of any QB this season while being sacked 40 times, 15 more than last season.
