National Football League

Calais Campbell says Cardinals are 'true contender' with Carson Palmer

Published Jun. 25, 2015 2:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Arizona Cardinals are a confident bunch this offseason now that they got their leader back and healthy. Last season, the Cardinals started 9-1 with Carson Palmer under center.

Palmer then tore his ACL and the team was never the same since. They ended up getting beat in the first round of the playoffs by the Carolina Panthers.

Palmer has looked great so far this offseason. Defensive end Calais Campbell told NFL Network's Dan Hellie and Briam Baldinger that with Palmer leading the team, the sky is the limit.

"With him under center, we know we're a contender. A true contender," Campbell said. "His ability to throw the ball, see the defenses and lead the team ... I mean he's such a natural leader."

The confidence Campbell has of Palmer has a lot to with what he's seen of him so far in OTAs and minicamp. He looks like his old self again, which is great news for the Cardinals.

"I know the trainers try to slow him down a little bit, but he's proved to them that he's 100 percent," Campbell said. "In mini camp he was 100 percent live. Obviously, we can't touch the quarterback in practice -- not that I wanted to -- but he's out there making every throw and looking good."