Cardinals GM: Finding a long-term answer at QB a priority

The Arizona Cardinals have at least one more season of Carson Palmer, but with the 37-year-old close the end of his career, the team must soon find a young franchise quarterback if they're to be a long-term contender.

Even before Palmer announced he would be returning for the 2017 season, general manager Steve Keim admitted it's time to find a young pivot who can lead the team for the foreseeable future.

"There's no doubt every GM, there is no question your name has to be put on a young quarterback at some point," Keim said on last week's edition of the "Big Red Rage," according to Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site. "I challenge myself every day, because if you look around the league, you're not a GM for long if you don't find (a quarterback). I have to do a better job, with my staff and the coaching staff, we have to identify the right guy and put this organization in position to have success for years to come."

While Arizona's roster doesn't look as complete as it did a year ago, they could still afford to use a first-round pick on a quarterback this season and have him sit for a year.

The year's top quarterbacks - Deshaun Watson, Mitch Trubisky, and DeShone Kizer - are far from can't-miss prospects, and all could slide to Arizona, who pick 13th overall.

The Cardinals have one of the most talented defenses in the league and a franchise offensive player in David Johnson. They could set themselves up for post-Palmer success by solidifying the game's most important position now.