Could the Cardinals move on from Kyler Murray in the upcoming NFL Draft?

To say that the Arizona Cardinals have been a story and team of intrigue over the past few years would be a vast understatement. Instead, what the Cardinals have been is a promise leading to disaster. Since losing in the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 playoffs, Arizona has become their own master of under-achievement and haphazard play.

The injured Kyler Murray is at the heart of the failure in Arizona. The two-sport star and Heisman Trophy winner has not lived up to his potential, yet. He is a quarterback coming off of an injury, inconsistency, with a new coaching staff and soon to be without his favorite pass target Deandre Hopkins.

Plenty of options for Arizona at #3 overall

New head Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort have serious decisions to make. Arizona is already facing a potential half-season without Murray, and a myriad of injuries to perennial backup quarterback Colt McCoy have the Cardinals quarterback room in a state of flux. 

Arizona has options with the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Whether they trade down for additional value picks, draft the best player available based on their draft board, or do the unthinkable just six months ago and select a quarterback, the Cardinals have some envious directions they can take.

The Detroit Lions, who have Jared Goff under center could decide to deal with Arizona, as could the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons. All three would love to be in the third position on the opening night of the draft to pick what could be a long-term franchise quarterback.

If they choose to draft the best player available, the Cardinals could do wonders shoring up their defense with edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. The Crimson Tide defensive player is both a game-changer and a long-term investment that Arizona could have in the stable. Anderson Jr. is a pillar and legacy type of player who changes the landscape of a defense and a franchise. 

Could the Cardinals draft a QB?

The most interesting scenario is if the organization decides to step outside the box and draft a top quarterback. The consensus name most expect to hear go first overall is Bryce Young from Alabama. With Young erased early, the Cardinals still have a deep-in-talent quarterback class to draw from.

Will Levis from Kentucky and Anthony Richardson from Florida are two who would be great in the desert.

One idea that does not get a lot of traction but should, is Lamar Jackson. Clearly on the “outs” in Baltimore, Jackson is an interesting situation for Arizona for what if could present this season and the seasons to follow. While a straight-up trade is not a consideration, playing in place of Murray gives both their Heisman Trophy winner a lot of time to heal, and Jackson a division to shine in.

While Lamar Jackson in Arizona is remote, having the third pick in the NFL Draft provides Gannon and Ossenfort blueprint of their making to pull the Cardinals out of the cellar in the NFC West. A division likely to see even greater intrigue than what the Arizona Cardinals do come draft weekend.

Have we seen Kyler Murray play his last game for the Cardinals? Highly unlikely, but there could definitely be some movement from Arizona to move on this offseason.