After contemplating retirement, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has decided to return for at least one more season.
The 37-year-old announced Thursday via Cardinals VP of media relations Mark Dalton that he'll play for the Cardinals in the 2017 season. It will be his fifth NFL season in Arizona.
And there it is: Carson confirms he's coming back pic.twitter.com/UGJ4OASkRb
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) February 9, 2017
"My intent was to take some time after the season to get away and see where I was physically and mentally. On both fronts, I can say I'm ready to get back to work and prepare for the 2017 season," Palmer said.
"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 is a three-time Pro Bowler and was a candidate for the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player award. During that season, he notched career highs in receiving yards (4,671) and touchdown passes (35), and he guided the Cardinals to a franchise-best 13-3 regular-season record and an NFC Championship Game appearance.
Palmer played collegiately at USC and won the 2002 Heisman Trophy. He was selected by the Bengals with the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.
Palmer spent his first eight NFL seasons in Cincinnati and played for the Raiders from 2011-12. The Cardinals signed him before the 2013 season.
Palmer suffered a season-ending ACL tear in 2014 but has started 31 of 32 games the last two seasons. He threw for 4,233 yards and 26 touchdowns last season.
Last week, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald announced he will return to the Cardinals next season. Fitzgerald had also been contemplating retirement. Like Fitzgerald, Palmer is still chasing that elusive Super Bowl ring.
Glad to hear our leader is coming back for another season. Gotta get him and @LarryFitzgerald a ring! pic.twitter.com/uyCIQNJNDi
— David Johnson (@DavidJohnson31) February 9, 2017
Palmer's 285 career touchdown passes are the third most in NFL history for a player that has never appeared in the Super Bowl. https://t.co/vWWOnfP19V
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 9, 2017
