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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CARSON, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Geremy Davis #11 of the Los Angeles Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers #17 walk out onto the field for the game against the Arizona Cardinals at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Geremy Davis #11 of the Los Angeles Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers #17 walk out onto the field for the game against the Arizona Cardinals at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers

Why would they make the trade? This is a common theme with this list. Like the Saints, Steelers, and Patriots before them, the Chargers need to find a replacement for their potential Hall of Fame quarterback Philip Rivers. But, as recent reports indicate, they may be more in a rush to do so than the three previously mentioned teams.

At 37 years old, Rivers time in the NFL is coming to an end. But, after he leaves, the Chargers will likely look to have a seamless replacement at quarterback rather than tank, as they boast a roster built to win now. With Rivers’ contract ending after the 2019 season, adding Rosen on a rookie contract to replace him come 2020 would not only be cost-effective, it would also potentially lead to success as Rosen’s skillset fits the Chargers roster build and scheme.

Why wouldn’t they make the trade? They currently have one of the league’s best and most experienced backups employed through the ’20 season in Tyrod Taylor. Theoretically the 29-year-old could take over for Rivers if need be. They are also a team built to win now, meaning they may look to spend their picks on players that can help them win now rather than an insurance plan in Rosen.

What are their trade assets looking like?  In the first four rounds of the ’19 draft, the Chargers hold the 28th, 60th, 92nd, and 131st picks. Potential trade assets Russell Okung, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler may also prove to be valuable in trade talks.