The Arizona Cardinals would receive the No. 2 pick in exchange for Kyler Murray in a proposed deal. The No. 27 selection from the Cardinals is also sent to the Commanders in the suggested transaction offered by James Dator of SB Nation.
Playing for Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Commanders, Murray would provide Washington with an NFL quarterback with experience. According to Dator, the agreement benefits both parties.
“When you take a step back and consider each team’s situation in addition to the order, there is an extremely clear trade that needs to be completed: Kyler Murray to the Washington Commanders. It’s amazing that no one has really brought it up until now because it makes so much sense for both sides; this suggests that it’s something we may probably see happen.
Why the Cardinals Would Make This Trade
Murray agreed to a $230.5 million, five-year contract extension that runs through 2028. They might be interested in the Arizona Cardinals getting out of that contract. That contract may be the Washington Commanders’ motivation for holding onto the No. 2 pick.
The Cardinals get the fourth overall pick in the draft after finishing with a 4-13 record. With the No. 4 pick, they might be able to select a player to go with Murray, but this move would ensure they have the chance to select one of Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, or Drake Maye.
According to Dator, this offers them a chance to start over. At No. 4, they may select Marvin Harrison Jr. and a quarterback.
“Murray is earning the salary of a top-tier franchise quarterback in an atmosphere that isn’t healthy for him on either end. With a change of atmosphere, he has every chance to become one of the NFL’s top 10 quarterbacks again, and that presents him with that chance.
Meanwhile, the strategy for Arizona would be straightforward: rebuild. Rebuild completely. Select Drake Maye with the second overall pick, select Marvin Harrison Jr. at the fourth spot, and bolster the defence with the enormous cap savings that will be realised in 2025 and beyond.
How Murray Would Help the Commanders
This offseason, the Washington Commanders took actions consistent with a squad looking to contend. Bobby Wagner, Austin Ekeler, and other senior players were signed by Washington.
In this case, Murray would have some skill surrounding him to compete in a competitive NFC East, but having talent surrounding the No. 2 pick should improve their transition to the NFL.
Dator notes that there’s no assurance any rookie will succeed in his system and that signing Kingsbury was a risk. But Murray has, so the Commanders would have a quarterback who has already thrown for 3,971 yards in a season under Kingsbury.
“Hiring Kingsbury was a big gamble for this team. Although Murray has already demonstrated the idea, there is no assurance that a rookie quarterback selected in the 2024 class could succeed in his scheme. There’s no need for this squad to pass up another top pick.
“Ownership is anxious to move on as soon as possible. Their goal is to generate buzz and establish a new era in Washington. Finding Murray, a proven quarterback who has previously demonstrated his ability to flourish in Kingsbury’s offence, is the key to a swift turnaround.
