It’s not a secret that the Arizona Cardinals will be looking for a veteran quarterback once free agency starts.

And with that being the case, Ken Whisenhunt addressed the issue on the Sirius XM NFL Radio Blitz with hosts Adam Schein and Rich Gannon.

“I think we’re going to get the best player available by the way we have them rated and how we think they stack up,” Whisenhunt said.

Whisenhunt understands the time frame to get that veteran ready to play with the Cardinals will be difficult because of the ongoing player lockout and lost practice time.

“And then we’ll have to adjust at the time that we’re looking at…is the way you have to look at it,” the coach added. “If you have a chance to get a young quarterback that you think could develop into a great player for you for a decade, as opposed to a veteran player that you think might come in and help you right now, you have to go with what your evaluation is and with the one you have rated higher.”

Philadelphia Eagles QB Kevin Kolb, who is still under contract for another season, has been rumored to be high on the Cardinals’ list to acquire via trade.

The Cardinals have four quarterbacks under contract, but veteran Derek Anderson, who is listed with a base salary of $3.9 million for 2011, is expected to be released after free agency starts.