Arizona Cardinals: Top 5 Target QBs for 2013

The Arizona Cardinals had a rough season in 2012.  After a very promising 4-0 start, the Cardinals collapsed, losing 11 of their last 12 games. 

Perhaps the biggest problem with the team was the inconsistency at the quarterback position.  The Cardinals were unable to keep their field generals healthy, and the offense struggled mightily because of it.

There are a lot of options at QB that will be potentially available this offseason either through the draft, trade or free agency.  While none seem as appealing as Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, there are some free agents and prospects who might be able to at least provide some consistency on the offensive side of the ball.

While the Cardinals very well may decide to keep their faith in Kevin Kolb, they may also want to reconsider their quarterbacks.  Kolb has been injured several times, and they might want to go in a different, more consistent direction.

With that being said, here are the top five targets for the Cardinals at the quarterback position.

5. Matt Moore

Matt Moore was an average starter for the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers.  With Ryan Tannehill now starting for the Dolphins and Moore's contract ending, it seems likely that the Dolphins will not re-sign him and will leave another team to pick him up.

While Moore wouldn't be the most appealing quarterback to start for the Cardinals, he would be a good potential backup if they decided to keep Kolb.  His career QB rating of 80.5 is good enough for other teams to at least give him a chance.

The problem with Moore is that he isn't the option the Cardinals would be looking for if they are going to find a QB of the future.  An aging backup isn't the best option, especially with other more appealing options on the market.

4. Matt Barkley

Matt Barkley most likely would have been a first-round draft pick in last year's draft.  However, after a slightly less than impressive impressive season that was cut short due to injury, his draft stock has dipped quite a bit.

Barkley still had a solid season despite missing the final two games.  He still threw for over 3,000 yards with a completion percentage of 63.6.  He also threw for 36 touchdowns and only 15 interceptions.

The Cardinals would like a player like Barkley since he seems to be more pro-ready than most other quarterbacks entering the draft.  His poise in the pocket at USC is something that the Cardinals would be looking for.

The injury to Barkley may scare off teams, including the Cardinals.  With so many injuries at the position for them this year, they may be hesitant in picking him up.

However, Barkley would be a good option if they intend on building around a rookie quarterback, just like several teams did this season.

3. Geno Smith

Geno Smith started the college football season looking like the clear favorite for the Heisman Trophy.  However, an ugly stretch of five straight losses for West Virginia dropped him out of the race.

Regardless, Smith still had a fantastic season.  He threw for over 4,200 yards and 42 touchdowns while only throwing six interceptions.  His 71.2 completion percentage impressed many pro scouts, as he was able to complete pass after pass.

Smith has the feel of a quarterback who can take control of a team.  If the Cardinals are looking for that franchise quarterback, they might want to consider Smith.

However, the Cardinals will have some growing pains if they pick a rookie like Smith or Barkley.  The first few seasons may be a bit rough, and they will need to develop players at other positions in order to become a successful team once again.

2. Matt Flynn

When Matt Flynn exploded for six touchdowns in the final week of the 2011 season, he instantly became the hottest free-agent pickup for the offseason.  When the Seattle Seahawks picked him up, it looked like he was going to become the franchise quarterback for them.

However, the emergence of Russell Wilson left Flynn on the bench yet again.  With the Seahawks appearing to be set at the position, they might find it favorable to trade Flynn away to get something out of it.

The Cardinals could use a player like Flynn, who was able to develop while being the backup for Aaron Rodgers.  His impressive performances against the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots while in Green Bay have shown people that he is ready to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

1. Alex Smith

With Colin Kaepernick leading the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Conference Championship Game, it is looking more and more likely that Alex Smith will be looking for a new home this offseason.

With the season that Smith had before being benched, it seems only reasonable that teams will pursue him.  He played very efficiently during the season, throwing for 13 touchdowns and only five interceptions.  His passer rating of 104 was one of the highest in the league this year. 

The Cardinals would love to have Alex Smith next year.  However, there will likely be a lot of competition from other teams.  The Cardinals would need to be very aggressive in order to grab Smith.

Smith is the best option for a lot of teams searching for a new quarterback.  If the Cardinals could land him, it would be the first step in helping this team turn it back around.