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GM: Cards hopeful of Palmer deal

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals have started negotiating with quarterback Carson Palmer's agent with hopes of reaching a new deal with the 34-year-old before the season is over, general manager Steve Keim told the Arizona Republic.

"I won't get into specific points of the negotiations, but we've had some dialogue with [Palmer's agent] Dave Dunn," Keim told the Republic. "[Palmer] has done a great job for us."

Palmer, who turns 35 on Dec. 27, a day before the regular season ends, is in the second of a three-year contract that will pay him $9 million this season.

The third year, which voids five days after Super Bowl XLIX, was included to prorate Palmer's $6 million signing bonus for an additional season.

Since Palmer arrived in Arizona in a trade with Oakland last April, the Cardinals have gone 12-6 with him under center.

He missed three games this season with a bruised nerve in his right throwing shoulder, but returned Sunday to lead Arizona to a 30-20 win over Washington.

In 2013, Palmer threw for a career-high 4,274 yards, becoming the first player in NFL history to throw for at least 4,000 yards on three different teams.

In two starts this season, the 12-year veteran has thrown for 554 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.