Palmer confirms he'll return for 2017 season

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer confirmed Thursday he intends to return for the 2017 season.

"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."

Palmer's announcement comes just days after star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald also said he will return next season, meaning the Cardinals' offense will remain mostly intact.

Losing both Palmer and Fitzgerald to retirement would have likely signaled the start of a minor rebuild in Arizona. Instead, it appears the Cardinals will try for at least one more Super Bowl run with this iteration of the team.

Time was ticking for the veteran pivot to make a decision, as $15.5 million of his 2017 salary becomes fully guaranteed Friday.

It was thought to be more likely than not that Palmer would opt to play in 2017, but reports that this season took a significant physical toll on the 37-year-old led to speculation he could walk away.

The Cardinals suffered a severe regression in 2016 after an outstanding 2015 campaign, partly due to the struggles of Palmer.

He threw 26 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and 4,233 yards, a far cry from his MVP-like numbers in 2015, though poor offensive line play and regression from his receiving corp played a significant part in his inconsistent performances.