Arizona Cardinals: Steve Keim gets well-earned extension
The Arizona Cardinals have a new head coach and have some work to do in free agency. And fortunately, their highly-regarded general manager isn’t going anywhere.
Yes, it has already been a year of massive change for the Arizona Cardinals. It’s the franchise that owns the longest current NFL title drought in the league. Head coach Bruce Arians moves on.
Elsewhere, the club’s new sideline leader is former Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Quarterback Carson Palmer, who misses a large part of 2017, retires. Meanwhile, the team’s other two starting signal-callers from this past season are scheduled to become free agents.
But one thing that hasn’t changed and won’t anytime soon is the team’s guiding force. Earlier this week, the Cardinals signed Steve Keim to a new deal. He’s been a part of this organization dating back to 1999 and this upcoming season will be his sixth as the club’s general manager.
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From 2013-17, the Cards own a 49-30-1 record. That includes a franchise-record 13 victories in 2015. There have been three double-digit win campaigns over that span and a pair of playoff appearances.
Unfortunately, the team comes off an 8-8 showing and third-place finish in the NFC West this past season. Amazingly, this came despite the near season-long loss of Pro Bowl running back David Johnson and three different starting quarterbacks.
"“Steve’s performance and accomplishments as Cardinals GM speak for themselves,” said team president Michael Bidwill via a statement released by the franchise on Monday (courtesy of Bob McManaman of AZCentral.com). “His role in the team’s success over the last five seasons is undeniable. This new contract ensures that he will continue to shape our success going forward and we are thrilled about that.”"
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As for that starting quarterback thing, backups Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert are set to become free agents next month. That duo, along with wide receivers Jamon Brown and John Brown and cornerback Justin Bethel, are part of a long list of players that could test the open market in mid-March. Of course, with Keim at the controls, the Arizona Cardinals remain in very good hands.