In 2004, the hierarchy of the Arizona Cardinals was relatively new. Rod Graves was in just his second year as the club’s GM. Newly anointed head coach Dennis Green was taking over a team that went 4-12 in 2003.
When April’s NFL Draft arrived, the organization held the third overall pick in the first round. There was quite a dilemma about what should be done with the selection. The Cardinals’ quarterback situation was muddled after they had cut ties with Jeff Blake, leaving Josh McCown as the best option on the roster.
When it came time for the front office to make their decision, a signal-caller with franchise potential was on the board.