Starter/backup: Kevin Kolb/John Skelton-Ryan Lindley-Brian Hoyer

2012 summary: The Cardinals had the NFL’s worst quarterbacking in 2012, with four different starters playing because of injuries and performance-based decisions by former head coach Ken Whisenhunt.

Outlook: Kolb would have to accept a significant pay cut to return this season. Even then, Kolb has shown nothing in two seasons with Arizona to indicate he’s a sure thing to succeed under new head coach Bruce Arians.

Even though it might be a reach considering the prospects available, the Cardinals would be justified to select a quarterback with the No. 7 overall pick. There also is the chance journeyman Drew Stanton could follow Arians from Indianapolis as a free agent.

Starter/backup: Sam Bradford/Austin Davis

2012 summary: Even without much of a supporting cast, Bradford was much better than in an injury plagued 2011 season. He finished with a middle-of-the-road quarterback rating of 82.6 with 21 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Outlook: For the first time since entering the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in 2010, Bradford will be working with the same offensive coordinator (Brian Schottenheimer) for a second consecutive season.

“When you stay in the same system over time, you feel much more comfortable,” Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “One can only imagine what it's been like for him for the last few years going through three different offensive philosophies and systems.”

Fisher also said Austin Davis, an undrafted rookie free agent from Southern Mississippi in 2012, is his projected backup with incumbent second-stringer Kellen Clemens relegated to a third-string spot if re-signed.

Starter/backup: Russell Wilson/Matt Flynn

2012 summary: Teams that passed on Wilson in the 2012 draft because of height concerns are eating their hearts out. Wilson was among the NFL’s most productive quarterbacks in the second half of the season while leading Seattle into the second round of the playoffs.

Outlook: Wilson’s emergence has made Flynn expendable via trade just one season after he was signed to a three-year, $19 million contract. Flynn has a limited body of work as an NFL starter (two games) and a $5.25 million base salary in 2013. Still, Flynn could be appealing to a team that runs a West Coast-style offense similar to what he was groomed under as a backup in Green Bay.

Starter/backup: Colin Kaepernick/Scott Tolzien

2012 summary: Kaepernick justified his midseason promotion into the starting lineup by quickly blossoming into one of the NFL’s top run-pass threats and leading the 49ers into Super Bowl XLVII.

Outlook: Even if NFL defenses start figuring out the read-option, Kaepernick has shown enough promise as a pocket passer to cement himself as San Francisco’s new franchise quarterback.

The 49ers have reached agreement to trade Kaepernick's predecessor Alex Smith to Kansas City, which would elevate Tolzien to a backup role on paper — he’s the only other quarterback on the roster. However, look for the 49ers to add a veteran who could help provide guidance for Kaepernick as well as insurance in the of injury.

Starter/backup: Robert Griffin III/Kirk Cousins

2012 summary: The passing and running skills he demonstrated while leading Washington to the playoffs helped Griffin win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Cousins did his part as a rookie when leading Washington to victory over Cleveland while starting in place of an injured Griffin.

Outlook: Griffin suffered a serious knee injury in the playoffs, but is optimistic enough about a Week 1 return that he allowed the timetable to get used by Adidas in a new commercial. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has plenty of time to adjust his scheme to better utilize Cousin’s skill set if RGIII isn’t going to be ready by the season opener.

Starter/backup: Eli Manning/David Carr

2012 summary: Manning passed for almost 1,000 fewer yards than the previous season, and the Giants failed to defend their Super Bowl XLVI championship or even make the playoffs.

Outlook: Manning hasn’t missed a start in eight seasons, and the Giants recently took a big step toward continuing his good health in 2013 by re-signing left tackle Will Beatty to a new contract. David Carr is headed toward free agency, but a return as Manning’s backup seems likely.

Starter/backup: Michael Vick/Nick Foles

2012 summary: Vick followed a disappointing 2011 campaign with an even worse effort in 2012. Foles got the chance to start six games as a rookie after Vick suffered a concussion. Both quarterbacks combined to lead Philadelphia to only four victories, helping to cost Andy Reid his job as head coach.

Outlook: Vick agreed to a restructured contract to play under new head coach Chip Kelly, whose wide-open offensive system may be a better fit for him than Reid’s West Coast-style scheme.

Foles isn’t as athletic as Vick, but the Eagles feel strongly enough about his potential that overtures about a potential trade to Kansas City where Reid is now head coach were rebuffed. The Eagles also have signed Dennis Dixon, who excelled under Kelly at the University of Oregon but has failed to duplicate the same success in five NFL seasons.

Starter/backup: Tony Romo/Kyle Orton

2012 summary: Romo passed for a career-high 4,903 yards along with 28 touchdowns, but fell short of making the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

Outlook: He only has one playoff victory in 6½ seasons as a starter, but the Cowboys remain married to Romo and won’t open up the position for competition with Orton. Dallas is trying to restructure Romo’s contract to create some much-needed room under the salary cap.

Starter/backup: Josh Freeman/Dan Orlovsky

2012 summary: No quarterback was as wildly inconsistent as Freeman in 2012. He had 16 touchdowns and three interceptions from Weeks 6 to 11. He finished the final seven games with 12 interceptions and six touchdowns as Tampa Bay faded from playoff contention.

Outlook: The Bucs are publicly saying all the right things about Freeman, but are going to let him play out the final year of his rookie contract before considering a long-term extension a la Baltimore with Joe Flacco. Orlovsky played under Bucs head coach Greg Schiano at Rutgers and is under contract at a modest $1.5 million for 2013.

Starter/backup: Drew Brees/Chase Daniel

2012 summary: Brees set an NFL record with a touchdown pass in his 48th consecutive game, but that was one of his few positive memories in 2012. New Orleans failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season.

Outlook: Brees should rebound from what, for him, was a disappointing 2012 campaign now that Sean Payton has been reinstated as head coach. Daniel is headed toward free agency, but there probably won’t be a huge market for his services. One possibility is Chicago, where former Saints offensive line coach Aaron Kromer has become the new offensive coordinator.

Starter/backup: Cam Newton/Derek Anderson

2012 summary: Newton, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2011, got off to a bumpy start, but finished the season strong by leading Carolina to four straight wins. That helped head coach Ron Rivera keep his job despite a second straight losing campaign and change of general managers.

Outlook: The Panthers promoted quarterbacks coach Mike Shula to offensive coordinator following the departure of Rob Chudzinski to Cleveland as head coach. The belief is Newton will benefit from the continuity that comes with playing in the same offensive system.

Anderson is an unrestricted free agent and third-stringer Jimmy Clausen could be in trouble with a new general manager (Dave Gettleman) in place. The Panthers, though, have enough salary-cap restraints that a high-priced backup behind Newton isn’t in the cards.
 

Starter/backup: Matt Ryan/Luke McCown

2012 summary: Ryan continued to make strides in his fifth NFL season. He posted career-high passing numbers and won his first career playoff game against Seattle.

Outlook: The re-signing of Ryan, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is one of Atlanta’s top priorities in 2013. McCown is an unrestricted free agent who may return because of his low price tag and familiarity with offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s system.

Starter/backup: Jay Cutler/Jason Campbell

2012 summary: The Bears fielded a more balanced offense with wide receiver Brandon Marshall — 118 catches for 1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns — proving a welcome addition, but still missed the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. That cost head coach Lovie Smith his job.

Outlook: The Bears hired Marc Trestman to resuscitate an offense that has finished in the bottom half of the league’s yardage rankings for six consecutive seasons. That starts with Cutler, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Campbell is set to become a free agent, leaving a void at backup. One veteran Chicago should consider is Sage Rosenfels, who has experience playing under Trestman with Miami in 2004. The Bears haven’t drafted a quarterback in the fourth round or earlier since Kyle Orton in 2005. Could that streak end this year with Cutler’s future uncertain?

Starter/backup: Matthew Stafford/Shaun Hill

2012 summary: No player better personified Detroit’s uneven season than Stafford. His touchdowns dropped from 41 to 20 despite having an NFL-record 727 passing attempts, and the Lions finished at 4-12.

Outlook: Stafford deserves his share of blame for a sluggish 2012, but the Lions provided little in terms of run support. Stafford also was forced too frequently to shoulder the load in the fourth quarter after the Lions had fallen behind.

Detroit is trying to negotiate a restructured contract with Stafford that would create salary cap space. Hill is a competent backup and mentor who may face a training camp challenge from ex-Boise State star Kellen Moore.

Starter/backup: Aaron Rodgers/Graham Harrell

2012 summary: Rodgers didn’t repeat as the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, but that doesn’t diminish his 2012 achievements. With injuries across the board on offense, Rodgers still threw 39 touchdown passes with eight interceptions, and the Packers repeated as NFC North champions.

Outlook: At age 29, Rodgers will remain in his prime for several more seasons. Rodgers has outplayed his current contract, so look for talks to begin between him and the Packers about a deal that could make him the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback.

The Packers have made a three-year investment in developing Harrell, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pushed for the backup role in training camp. One contender is B.J. Coleman, a 2012 seventh-round pick from Tennessee-Chattanooga.

Starter/backup: Christian Ponder/Joe Webb

2012 summary: Ponder was dreadful for most of his second NFL season. His best attribute was committing only two turnovers in the final four games as running back Adrian Peterson and the defense carried Minnesota into the playoffs.

Outlook: Vikings management says it’s all-in with Ponder as their franchise quarterback. He still must make some significant strides in 2013, which would be made easier with the return of a healthy Percy Harvin, the development of Jarius Wright and further additions to an otherwise lousy wide receiver corps.

Webb, too, must show progress. He flopped when thrust into a last-minute starting spot in place of an injured Ponder (elbow) against Green Bay.

Starter/backup: Carson Palmer/Terrelle Pryor

2012 summary: Ex-Oakland head coach Hue Jackson contended the Raiders landed a franchise quarterback when acquiring Palmer from Cincinnati in a trade midway through the 2011 season.

Palmer has never justified such praise, even though he is being paid in that fashion. Pryor started the season finale when Palmer was injured, but didn’t show much upside from a passing standpoint.

Outlook: Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said he expects an open competition between Palmer and Pryor in training camp. Palmer, though, is being asked to take a pay cut from his $13 million base salary in 2013 to stick around. The Raiders are expected to draft a quarterback perhaps as early as the No. 3 overall selection.

Starter/backup: Alex Smith/Ricky Stanzi

2012 summary: Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn were the two starters for the NFL’s worst team in 2012. Neither is expected back under new head coach Andy Reid.

Outlook: As first reported by FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer, Kansas City has agreed to acquire Smith from San Francisco for a 2013 second-round pick and other compensation. The Chiefs are still expected to drat a quarterback who would ideally be groomed as Smith’s ultimate replacement. Stanzi hasn’t played in his first two NFL seasons with the Chiefs, so there is a backup need in free agency.

Starter/backup: Philip Rivers/Charlie Whitehurst

2012 summary: Once considered the best active quarterback yet to win a Super Bowl, Rivers experienced a second straight turnover-laden season in 2012. An awful offensive line and wide receiving corps that sorely missed the departed Vincent Jackson (Tampa Bay) contributed to his woes.

Outlook: A triumvirate of Mike McCoy (head coach), Ken Whisenhunt (offensive coordinator) and Frank Reich (quarterbacks coach) is responsible for helping Rivers get back on track in 2013. With a $1.3 million base salary, Whitehurst is a low-cost option as Rivers’ backup. Whitehurst, though, also has no ties to the new Chargers regime and isn’t guaranteed a roster spot.

Starter/backup: Peyton Manning/Brock Osweiler

2012 summary: Manning’s return from four neck surgeries went so well that he was voted the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year. Manning’s average yardage per completion (8.0) was his highest since 2005, and the Broncos reached the playoffs before a crushing double-overtime loss to Baltimore.

Outlook: The Broncos believe Manning will be even better in 2013 now that he will be healthy for an entire offseason. Osweiler, a 2012 second-round pick, is being groomed as Manning’s heir apparent.

Starter/backup: Mark Sanchez/Greg McElroy

2012 summary: Among veteran quarterbacks, Sanchez was the NFL’s worst 16-game starter in 2012 with 13 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. The Jets did Sanchez no favors by disrupting his rhythm through a nonsensical in-game rotation with backup Tim Tebow.

Outlook: The Jets are stuck with Sanchez in 2013 because of a ridiculous contract negotiated by ex-general manager Mike Tannenbaum. Because of salary cap restraints, New York is looking for a low-priced veteran to compete with Sanchez as well as McElroy for the backup role.

Brady Quinn’s name was floated by ESPN, while ex-Jacksonville starter David Garrard had a February 28 workout. For his job security beyond 2013, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan should campaign for new general manager John Idzik to draft a quarterback early.

Ryan would then be wise to attach his future to that passer and get the rookie on the field as quickly as possible in what Jets management will treat as a rebuilding season. Tebow will be released if the Jets can’t find a trade partner.

Starter/backup: Ryan Fitzpatrick/Tarvaris Jackson

2012 summary: With his erratic play for a franchise that missed the playoffs for the 13th straight year, Fitzpatrick continued to fail to justify the seven-year, $62 million contract he signed midway through the 2011 campaign.

Outlook: The Bills re-signed Jackson — who didn’t take a snap in 2012 after being acquired via trade from Seattle — to compete with Fitzpatrick for the starting spot in training camp. Regardless, look for the Bills to target a quarterback in the first two rounds, hoping to find someone they can build around long-term.

Starter/backup: Tom Brady/Ryan Mallett

2012 summary: Ho-hum — another brilliant season for Brady and the NFL’s top-ranked offense even with tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in and out of the lineup because of injuries. Brady and Atlanta’s Matt Ryan tied for the league lead by completing 40 percent of their passes for first downs.

Outlook: The Patriots recently reaffirmed their long-term commitment to Brady by signing him to a three-year contract extension that will provide him with $57 million guaranteed. Mallett could become trade bait in the 2014 offseason, which is the last year of his rookie contract.

Starter/backup: Ryan Tannehill/Matt Moore

2012 summary: Tannehill’s statistics weren’t nearly as gaudy as other members of the 2012 draft class like Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson. Tannehill, though, fared OK considering his lack of college starting experience at Texas A&M and not being surrounded by any top-tier targets at tight end or wide receiver.

Outlook: Although some rough edges still need smoothing, especially a penchant for his passes to get batted at the line of scrimmage, Tannehill provided hope that he is the answer for Miami’s long-standing void at quarterback.

Moore, one of the NFL’s most underrated backups, could be looking for an opportunity to compete for a starting spot elsewhere via free agency. If he leaves, a low-cost veteran may be signed to compete with Pat Devlin for the No. 2 spot.

Starter/backup: Blaine Gabbert/Chad Henne

2012 summary: Gabbert made some progress from a disastrous rookie campaign, but not enough to cement himself as the long-term answer under center. Henne did nothing to push for the first-string spot when starting the final six games in place of an injured Gabbert (shoulder).

Outlook: Jedd Fisch is now the third different coordinator in Gabbert’s first three NFL seasons. Fisch’s top priority is trying to help Gabbert become at least respectable in 2013. If not, new Jaguars brass would have no problem cutting ties with a player selected by the previous regime.

Starter/backup: Andrew Luck/Drew Stanton

2012 summary: Luck began filling the giant shoes left behind by Peyton Manning with an outstanding rookie campaign. He guided a Colts team that finished with the NFL’s worst record the previous season to an 11-5 mark and playoff berth.

Outlook: The biggest step Luck must make in 2013 is with his decision making. By being more judicious, Luck can easily reduce the number of interceptions he threw as a rookie (18). The Colts will likely need a new backup with Stanton set to go elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent.

Starter/backup: Matt Schaub/T.J. Yates

2012 summary: Schaub led Houston to its best record in franchise history and also won the first playoff game of his eight-year NFL career. Schaub, though, struggled down the stretch as the Texans were eliminated in the second round for a second consecutive season.

Outlook: The Texans remain committed to Schaub in 2013 despite his late-season struggles. Schaub, though, probably has only one more season to lead the Texans into at least a conference championship game.

Head coach Gary Kubiak left open the possibility Houston will take a quarterback in the draft, but it likely wouldn’t be more than a mid- to late-round pick. Kubiak expects former University of Houston standout Case Keenum and ex-Dallas Cowboys reserve Stephen McGee to compete with Yates for the backup spot.

Starter/backup: Jake Locker/Matt Hasselbeck

2012 summary: Locker’s first full-time season as a starter was bumpy. Accuracy remains a problem, as evidenced by Locker’s 56.4 completion percentage. He also was forced to miss five starts because of injuries to his left (non-throwing) shoulder.

Outlook: The Titans remain committed to Locker, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2011 draft. New offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains will try to tweak Tennessee’s scheme to better take advantage of Locker’s mobility. This could include the use of read-option plays.

Hasselbeck’s $5.5 million salary in 2013 may be too high for a backup. Hasselbeck told The Tenneessean he would be open to a renegotiation. If the Titans decide Hasselbeck is still too pricy or no longer effective at age 37, expect Rusty Smith to step into the backup role in his third NFL season.

Starter/backup: Ben Roethlisberger/Byron Leftwich

2012 summary: The Steelers failed to make the playoffs, but Roethlisberger enjoyed one of his best statistical seasons in offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s new short-passing scheme.

Outlook: Even though Roethlisberger was sacked for the fewest times (30) since 2005, he still was forced to miss three contests because of injury. Roethlisberger has completed a full 16-game schedule just once (2008) in his eight NFL seasons, which places a greater emphasis for Pittsburgh to have a sound second-stringer.

Leftwich and third-stringer Charlie Batch could both be on the outs in 2013, leaving the Steelers to find another veteran alternative. The solution could be John Parker Wilson, who was claimed off waivers from Jacksonville on February 28.

Starter/backup: Brandon Weeden/Colt McCoy

2012 summary: Weeden took his lumps in 2012. He had the roughest season of all rookie starting quarterbacks with 17 interceptions, a mediocre 57.4 completion percentage and 5-10 starting record.

Outlook: Weeden’s two biggest supporters in Cleveland — head coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert Jr. — were fired at the end of the 2012 season. Mike Lombardi, who wasn’t a pre-draft fan of Weeden’s, is now heading the personnel department.

Expect a Weeden-McCoy competition during training camp, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Browns used another high draft choice on a quarterback to develop under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

Starter/backup: Andy Dalton/Bruce Gradkowski

2012 summary: After a brief sophomore slump, Dalton rebounded late in the year to lead Cincinnati to its first back-to-back playoff appearances since the 1981-82 seasons.

Outlook: While he doesn’t have the strong arm that would take better advantage of wide receiver AJ. Green’s speed on deep routes, the Bengals remain committed to Dalton for the long haul. Gradkowski is an unrestricted free agent who will probably re-sign on the cheap.

Starter/backup: Joe Flacco/Tyrod Talor

2012 summary: Flacco enjoyed one of the greatest postseasons in NFL history. He threw 11 touchdowns with no interceptions during the playoffs and won Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player honors when leading Baltimore to victory over San Francisco.

Outlook: As first reported by FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer, Flacco reached agreement on a long-term contract extension with the Ravens on March 1. Flacco has never missed an NFL start so it’s difficult to gage where Taylor is at entering his third season with the Ravens.

An economics degree isn’t needed to understand that the NFL has an ongoing supply-and-demand crisis.

Too many teams need quarterbacks and there aren’t enough good ones (like Peyton Manning in 2012) available to fill all the spots.

The problem is especially pronounced this year with an extremely weak free-agent class and draft class that isn’t nearly as deep as the one that produced four first-round picks and third-round gem Russell Wilson in 2012.

Where do things stand with the starter and backups for your favorite team? Here’s a primer as the free-agent signing period is set to begin March 12. — Alex Marvez