Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray recently scrubbed his social media account of all team-related information. While this could be nothing but an overblown story, it also raises the possibility that he is disgruntled and may wind up forcing his way out of the desert. Of course, there were three examples the previous off-season of quarterback drama featuring Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson, and Russell Wilson.
While Watson sat out (mainly due to his off-the-field issues), Rodgers and Wilson played. It is also worth noting that last off-season Wilson outlined four teams he wished to play for. So, if Murray were to ask for a trade, where might he end up? Most likely, it would be a destination that suited both him and the Cardinals. And since Murray has two Pro Bowls to his name, the Cardinals can also ask for ultra-high compensation. So what are some possible trade destinations for Kyler Murray?
Trade Destinations That Could Work for Kyler Murray and Arizona Cardinals
Houston Texans
Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has pulled off blockbuster trades with the Houston Texans in the past. And while it is premature to believe a Murray for Watson trade is imminent considering the latter’s legal issues, the Texans are still a suitable trading partner.
For one, Murray has not yet turned 25, which makes him among the league’s youngest quarterbacks. This would allow the Cardinals to ask for the Texans third overall pick in this year’s draft. For another, they could also snag Davis Mills, who despite leading the Texans to a 2-9 record in his 11 starts, had an outstanding rookie season second only to Mac Jones of the New England Patriots.
But expect the Cardinals to ask for more than just a first-round pick and Mills if this trade occurs. For a rebuilding team to snag a young franchise quarterback, it should not be a surprise if the Cardinals asked for at least two first-round picks, possible mid-round picks, and Mills. Murray has played like a first overall pick at times, and therefore the Cardinals deserve top-notch compensation.
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins is one of the league’s most underrated quarterbacks. Having started his career as a fourth-round pick in Washington, Cousins has been stable for an up-and-down Minnesota Vikings franchise. And with the offensive-minded Kevin O’Connell taking charge in Minneapolis, Murray will complete a set of young triplets on offense that would include Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson.
If Murray asks to leave the desert, the Vikings will be on the phone with the Cardinals. And since Murray has the potential to push this team over the hill and into the playoffs, they will compensate the Cardinals well. Expect them to offer at least two if not three first-round picks, plus Cousins.
If the Cardinals could snag Cousins, who will turn 34 by the time Week 1 rolls around, they can also use a draft pick on a potential successor. Prospects like Matt Corral, Sam Howell, and Desmond Ridder may be available if the Cardinals waited until the second round to pick a quarterback. Or, they could wait until 2023 or even 2024 to draft a future signal-caller if they pull off a trade that nets multiple first-round picks.
[pickup_prop id=”20233″]
Las Vegas Raiders
A trade to the Las Vegas Raiders would keep Kyler Murray out west in the desert and it is clear that new Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels will take notice if Murray asks to be moved. As with the scenarios for Houston and Minnesota, the Cardinals could both snag multiple draft picks, plus a quarterback. Derek Carr is coming off his fourth straight season with 4,000-plus passing yards. In those four seasons, he has also completed at least 67.3% of his passes.
While critics scoff at Carr’s 57-70 career record, he has also improved in the win-loss column since 2018, and he lead the Raiders to a playoff appearance in 2021. Given Carr’s overall production, the Cardinals may not receive as many draft picks as compensation. But they can still get a first-rounder in 2022 assuming they move Murray before the NFL draft if such a situation occurs, plus perhaps a second or mid-round pick.
Overall, the Cardinals would be set for at least a few seasons with Carr, who will turn 32 before Week 1 of the 2022 season. And to Cardinals fans, bringing in someone like Carr or Cousins may bring back memories of Kurt Warner and Carson Palmer, both of whom led the Cardinals deep into the playoffs during their career twilight.
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