The latest tidbit of information suggests that the Arizona Cardinals will pass on quarterback Blaine Gabbert with the no. 5 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. The Cardinals were widely believed to be targeting Gabbert in most mock drafts just a few weeks ago. The team clearly, obviously, desperately, has a need to fill under center. Lately however, most insiders have veered away from Gabbert for the Cardinals and today we learn there could be a good reason why. The Cardinals, according to a report by Rob Rang of the CBS Sports, have an "understanding" with veteran free agent quarterback Marc Bulger.
A lot of people in the league feel the Cardinals already have an understanding with pending free agent quarterback Marc Bulger. The Cardinals would have liked to sign Bulger last year, and coach Ken Whisenhunt lobbied for a deal, but Arizona had already agreed with Derek Anderson and management didn't see a way to bring in two veterans.
This certainly makes a lot of sense. It's well known that coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't predisposed to rookie QBs and with Larry Fitzgerald coming up on free agency the team needs a guy immediately. With the NFC West still packed with crap teams, the 5-11 Cardinals must feel they could get right back in the playoff hunt this season. Gabbert is widely considered a prospect who's going to need some time to develop. Time isn't something the Cardinals have much of these days.