Kevin Kolb Traded to Arizona Cardinals: What Do the Cardinals Gain in Kolb?

Quarterback Kevin Kolb is officially a member of the Arizona Cardinals after being traded from the Eagles in exchange for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a future second-round draft pick.

The Cardinals needed to find an upgrade at quarterback after spending last season with the likes of Derek Anderson, John Skelton and Max Hall throwing the ball to star receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and they appear to have found that upgrade in Kolb.

While Kolb is an upgrade from the signal-callers the Cards started last season, I'm not completely convinced that he is ready to lead Arizona to glory just yet, even in the lowly NFC West.

Kolb was 3-4 as a starter for the Eagles, and that was with a pretty good supporting cast, one that was certainly better than the one he will be playing with in Arizona. With the departure of receiver Steve Breaston to the Chiefs, Kolb will have to look Fitzgerald's way often and that could make things difficult for the Cardinals offense.

Arizona also has an up-and-coming receiver in second-year player Andre Roberts, who the team is hoping can be a big threat opposite their Pro-Bowl weapon.

Kolb is going to have his work cut out for him in Arizona and his play will likely decide head coach Ken Whisenhunt's fate, as his contract is set to expire in 2013.

The biggest thing that the Cardinals will be gaining in this trade is the ability to move the chains through the air as Kolb's completion percentage (60.8 percent last season) is a significant upgrade over the trio of quarterbacks Arizona had last season which completed just 50.8 percent of their passes.

Kolb did not come cheap, however, as he cost the Cards a top-notch starting corner and a high draft choice, and the team will reportedly sign him to a five-year deal worth as much as $63.5 million, with a guaranteed $21 million.

That is a hefty sum to give up for a player who has yet to prove that he can win on a consistent basis, but it could turn out to be a major addition for the Cards.

Kolb will have the weight of the world on his shoulders in Arizona and the Cards better hope he can help the team cash in on an NFC West title this season, or this trade could set their franchise back for another few years.