NFL Rumors: Cardinals, Eagles & Lions

Cardinals

According to Adam Schefter, the Cardinals believe QB Carson Palmer can be their quarterback of the future, and not just a stop-gap.

Schefter points out that Palmer isn’t much older than Giants QB Eli Manning and Chargers QB Philip Rivers, both of whom signed long-term extensions earlier in the year.

Arizona believes Palmer has more years left in him and have privately they have spoken about it, and want Palmer to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Eagles

Chris Mortensen writes that unless Sam Bradford is able to continue playing at a high level over the remainder of the season, “it’s difficult to see the Eagles paying him the kind of money it may take to get him signed to a contract extension.”

Mortensen mentions that one speculative replacement to Bradford could be 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick, who could offer Chip Kelly more athleticism at the quarterback position.

Two NFL GMs tell Mortensen that there’s no question Kelly’s offense would be even more dangerous with a duel-threat quarterback.

Lions

There has been a lot of speculation about QB Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson‘s future with the Lions, but ESPN’s Chris Mortensen writes that more likely to part ways with Johnson than Stafford next year.

Mortensen points to the fact that Johnson will be 31 years old, has dealt with a number of injuries and has a cap figure of $24 million in 2016.

Interestingly enough, Mortensen wonders if the Lions could go after Bears free agent WR Alshon Jeffery as a replacement for Johnson.

As for the speculation of the Lions moving on from Stafford, Mortensen considers it “almost laughable.” Sources have told that Detroit would be “foolish” to part ways with Stafford.

“You don’t get rid of quarterbacks when you get one who has signs of greatness,” said former Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi. “You fix the defense so he’s not playing from behind all the time and you protect him with your offensive line.”