It's hard to argue with the results of the Arizona Cardinals 2025 NFL Draft. Arizona repeatedly found massive value in potential star prospects. Players like Walter Nolen, Will Johnson, and Denzel Burke have been praised by experts as draft steals.
There's just one issue. The Cardinals loaded up on defense, but they almost completely ignored their needs on the offensive side of the ball.
The Cardinals' offense was fine in 2024. They ranked tenth in the NFL in EPA per play. But they struggled to find explosive plays, especially in the passing game. Arizona ranked in the bottom quarter of the league in passing plays of 20 yards or more, with just 43 all season.
At multiple points in the draft, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort had the opportunity to add a field-stretching receiver, but he chose to continue adding to the defense instead. Again, it's hard to argue with the picks he made. But the Cardinals still have this one glaring hole as we move closer to the 2025 season.
No worries. We have a trade to fix that.
Proposed Christian Watson trade could level up Arizona Cardinals offense
Why not take a swing on an underperforming receiver in a crowded Green Bay group?
The Green Bay Packers seem to have given up on Christian Watson. In 2022, they spent a second-round draft pick on the former North Dakota State receiver. After three seasons in the NFL, Watson has never eclipsed 700 yards or eight touchdowns in a season. He's battled injuries throughout his career, appearing in just 38 games across three years.
Green Bay just used their first-round pick on Matthew Golden, another deep threat who could push Watson further down the depth chart. With Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontavion Wicks in the picture, Watson may not have a role in Green Bay's offense this season.
On defense, the Packers are lacking depth at cornerback. They signed Nate Hobbs in free agency, but with Jaire Alexander's future up in the air, the Packers could use more help at the position.
The Arizona Cardinals are the perfect trade suitor for the Packers. After drafting Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, the Cardinals have a surplus at cornerback. Sean Murphy-Bunting underperformed in 2024, and he may not see much playing time this season.
The Cardinals still need a speedy receiver to take the top off of the defense. In addition to adding an explosive element to the offense, a receiver like Christian Watson would open up space underneath for Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride to take advantage of.
It's important to note that Christian Watson suffered an ACL injury in the Packers final game last season. He will likely miss significant time in 2025, but reports indicate that he is recovering well.
Christian Watson's value is at an all-time low. When healthy, he fits exactly what the Cardinals need on offense. If the price is right, this move makes too much sense for the Arizona Cardinals to pass up.