Arizona Cardinals: Ranking the 10 likeliest Josh Rosen trade destinations

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 11: Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the second half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 11: Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass during the second half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
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LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden talks to quarterback Alex Smith #11 in the first quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at FedExField on November 4, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 04: Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden talks to quarterback Alex Smith #11 in the first quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at FedExField on November 4, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Washington

Why would they make the trade? Washington is currently in quarterback limbo with little upside for the future. After Alex Smith‘s horrific and possibly career-ending leg injury, and the acquisition of Case Keenum, the current depth chart likely has Keenum and Colt McCoy as the two quarterbacks on the active roster.

After spending big money in free agency and giving Smith a heavily guaranteed contract, Washington can’t afford to reel in a shot-caller on a large contract. With their 15th pick in the draft, they may also not be able to get a quality prospect at the position on a cheap contract. However, Rosen could solve all their issues as he would likely contend for the starting gig immediately, would be on a rookie contract for three more seasons, and would likely cost less to trade for than it would to trade up for Murray, Haskins, or Lock.

Why wouldn’t they make the trade? Washington is rumored to be more interested in drafting a quarterback than trading for one. The logic behind it is simple; taking a guy like Daniel Jones would mean they have a cheaper and longer contract than Rosen’s and it wouldn’t cost trading away assets. They may also view either Keenum or McCoy as a solid tank-leader in order to get a top prospect in the 2020 or 2021 NFL Drafts.

What are their trade assets looking like? In the first four rounds of the ’19 draft, Washington holds the 15th, 46th, 77th, and 97th picks. Their possible player trade assets include Josh Doctson, Jordan Reed, Josh Norman, and Mason Foster.

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