Quarterback Drew Stanton will not hit the free agent market and will instead sign a two-year deal to return to the Cardinals.
That news came Tuesday courtesy of Mike McCartney, Stanton’s agent. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the deal is worth $6.5 million in base salary over two years.
Stanton will return for a fourth season in 2016 with the Cardinals as Carson Palmer’s backup. Given Palmer’s age (36) and injury history, having a reliable backup quarterback is important for a team like the Cardinals that again figures to be an NFC contender.
Stanton, 31, has played in 16 games over the last two seasons. He started eight games in 2014.
Stanton has won seven of 12 career starts. He’s a 54.6 percent passer for his career with 12 touchdowns vs. 16 interceptions.