Az Republic writer Somers thinks Bulger is early favorite to be the Cardinals QB

[Nick]

Arizona Cardinals: Who will be the starting quarterback?
by Kent Somers - Jan. 20, 2011 04:30 PM
The Arizona Republic

This off-season, the Cardinals will look for a starting quarterback in all the usual places: the draft, free agency, the trade market, between couch cushions.

Much depends upon the outcome of labor negotiations. Until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, players can't be traded and free agents can't be signed. And the draft is three months away.

But it's never too early to speculate, or to provide free advice to the Cardinals, who went through four quarterbacks in 2010 while trying to find a suitable replacement for Kurt Warner.

Strictly for entertainment purposes, the Heat Index has come up with some early odds on who will be the team's starter in 2011.

2 to 1

Marc Bulger, free agent: The former Rams starter was the backup in Baltimore last season. The Cardinals showed interest when Bulger was on the market last spring, but already had Derek Anderson under contract. Bulger turns 34 in April and hasn't had a good season since 2006. But he's smart, hasn't been hit in more than a year, and could provide a nice bridge to the future, whoever that might be.

8 to 1

Kyle Orton, Broncos: He has another year left on his contract, but the Broncos reportedly would let him go for a second-round pick. That should be too steep for the Cardinals, who have the sixth selection in the second round, but maybe that is just the asking price. Orton is smart, has a decent arm and can throw deep. At 28, Orton could give the Cardinals a couple of years to address other needs.

15 to 1

Kevin Kolb, Eagles: Like other teams, the Cardinals like Kolb's skills and commitment to the game. But the Eagles won't give him away. Starter Michael Vick is a free agent and prone to injuries. Kolb will cost the Eagles just $1.4 million in 2011. There has been speculation that the Eagles would want first- and third-round picks in return for Kolb . If that's the price, the Cardinals likely would pass.

35-1

John Skelton, Cardinals: He showed promise as a rookie last season, starting the final four games of the season. But it was also obvious why he didn't play earlier. Skelton could use another year or two of seasoning before being expected to contend for the starting job. But if the Cardinals sign, say, a lower-rung free agent and don't draft a quarterback, Skelton could win the job.

70-1

Auburn's Cam Newton, Arkansas' Ryan Mallett, Missouri's Blaine Gabbert: They appear to be the top rated quarterbacks in the draft, and with the fifth overall pick, the Cardinals should have a shot at any of them. The guess here, however, is that the Cardinals go a different direction in the first round (pass rusher), meaning these three quarterbacks end up elsewhere.

80-1

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks: He's due to be a free agent, but it's hard to see Hasselbeck leaving Seattle. He has played in a West Coast offensive system his whole career, and at 35, doesn't have many years remaining. But Hasselbeck is smart, tough and experienced.

100-1

Max Hall, Cardinals: Coaches saw enough in Hall last summer to make them think he could be a successful starter. But he looked overwhelmed in his three starts and has fallen behind Skelton on the depth chart. It's premature to write Hall off, but the Cardinals will pursue many options before starting Hall in 2011.

150-1

Donovan McNabb, Redskins: The Cardinals have long been rumored to be McNabb's future employer, even though the club has shown no interest in him. He has an off-season home in the Valley and works out near the Cardinals' Tempe facility. The commute would be short. But McNabb is 34 and his past two teams have given up on him. His work ethic and conditioning have been questioned.

Derek Anderson, Cardinals: The team is expected to release him after Anderson failed to impress in 2010. His salary escalates to nearly $4 million in 2011. It's hard to see him staying as a backup, even with a restructured deal.

1,000-1

Vince Young, Titans: The Cardinals need a solution, not another problem.

[berg8309]

Bulger would be awesome. Removes one contender from the NFC West

[39WillRunYaOva]

Bulger would be awesome. Removes one contender from the NFC West

2nd that

[Ramblin` Ram]

on one hand i wouldn`t like to see someone who although it didn`t work out,always gave his all for our club,put into the position of being cannon fodder.
on the other hand his lack of elusiveness would help give us 2 W`s on the season and Chris Long and co a boost in their Sack totals for the year. i`d predict enough to get Chris into his first probowl.

[dgr828]

Yeah, even though Bulg didn't live up to expectations with the Rams, and God knows, he was given a hard time for it!
After a year of being a backup and having the time for reflection, if he really put his mind to it, one could see Bulger rebounding his career in Arizona, much in the way of another former Ram in Kurt Warner.
Good Luck, Marc!

[RamFan_Til_I_Die]

My money's on Bulger or Carson Palmer if the Bengals agree to trade him.

[sosa39rams]

My money's on Bulger or Carson Palmer if the Bengals agree to trade him.

I will pray every night for the Lord to bring Palmer into the NFC West.