The Arizona Cardinals are bracing themselves for a big free agency, as the team looks to address multiple needs across the board.
If we’re being completely honest, there are two needs that the Cardinals will definitely address. Those two are the offensive line and running back; a few moves in those groups and you’ve got yourself a solid-looking unit. Especially with Mike LaFleur as the new coach.
One of the biggest question marks heading into the thick of the offseason is who will be the team’s quarterback in 2026. There were plenty of rumors around during the season that the Cardinals would move off of Kyler Murray, mostly because of how well backup Jacoby Brissett was looking.
However, if you really think about it, the Cardinals could save themselves a ton of money by trading Murray elsewhere.
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Murray, 28, signed a five-year $230 million contract extension in 2022, linking him to the team through 2029. But the Cardinals are yet to win a playoff game with him at the helm, and the amount of money he is owed is a burden on the team’s future outlook.
In 2026, Murray is due 52.6 million. A year later, he is due another $43 million. What we’re saying is that if the team were to trade him away, it would save so much money and free up a ton of money for future years.
The Cardinals have to make defensive moves as well, with Calais Campbell getting up there in age and the need for more durable guys in the secondary. It would best serve a team that is trying to get back on track under a new regime.
Keep in mind, it is also make or break for general manager Monti Ossenfort, and he didn’t draft Murray. It may be best for the Cardinals to move off of him in order for Ossenfort to keep his job.