Kyler Murray has returned to play for the Arizona Cardinals, but questions remain about how long he will remain with the team. The 2019 first overall draft pick completed a strong season, starting all 17 games and passing for 3,851 yards along with 21 touchdowns, his best performance since 2020. Additionally, Murray contributed 572 rushing yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities. Despite his individual success, the Cardinals finished 8-9, missing the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC playoffs for the third consecutive season.
Given their recent struggles to reach playoff contention, an NFL insider anticipates the Cardinals might consider trading Murray within the next few years. ESPN analyst Seth Walder predicted that the Cardinals could seek to move Murray before the 2027 season, especially after two seasons of moderate competitiveness without breaking into true contention.
“The Cardinals will look to trade quarterback Kyler Murray before the 2027 season,”
—Seth Walder, ESPN Analyst
Walder noted that Murray would still have two remaining non-guaranteed years on his contract at that point, making him a viable trade asset rather than pursuing another contract extension.
“Arizona will recoup real draft capital in the deal from a team that will instantly upgrade at the most important position.”
—Seth Walder, ESPN Analyst
The Cardinals’ Current Position and Roster Development
Murray remains the starting quarterback and a key player for the Cardinals, who are not far from returning to playoff contention. Arizona ranked 17th in ESPN’s power rankings, placing them in the middle tier of NFL teams. Their proximity to playoff-caliber performance could improve if divisional rivals like the Los Angeles Rams face setbacks, such as Matthew Stafford’s ongoing back issues.
Over recent years, Arizona has invested heavily in building young talent through the NFL Draft, selecting 14 players on Days 1 and 2 across the last three seasons. This approach has established a promising core that includes tight end Trey McBride and cornerbacks Garrett Williams and Max Melton. However, ESPN analyst Ben Solak pointed out the team still requires high-upside players to elevate their potential.
“The Cardinals have been pouring early draft picks into their roster over the past few years — 14 picks total on Days 1 and 2 over the past three seasons. The good young core is in place — tight end Trey McBride and cornerbacks Garrett Williams and Max Melton — but they need more ceiling-raisers,”
—Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst
As Murray continues to recover from his knee surgery and recently celebrated his 28th birthday, he could play a key role in improving the Cardinals’ standing in the league. Success over the next season or two might encourage Arizona to maintain their commitment to their franchise quarterback. Conversely, another losing record could prompt the team to reconsider their long-term plans.
Durability and Age Concerns About Murray’s Playing Style
Looking ahead to 2027, Murray will be entering his 30s, an age considered reasonably young for a quarterback. However, his playing style, which heavily incorporates running as a dual-threat quarterback, raises concerns about durability. At 5-foot-10 and 207 pounds, Murray’s build is smaller than the typical NFL quarterback, increasing the potential risk of injury over time.
Despite these concerns, there remains significant admiration for Murray’s athletic abilities. Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky recently ranked Murray within the top 10 quarterbacks for two important skills: reaction ability and rushing ability. Murray placed sixth for his second-reaction capabilities and seventh for his rushing talent, underscoring his unique skill set.
Implications of a Possible Trade in 2027
If the Cardinals decide to proceed with trading Murray by the 2027 season, the move could reshape the franchise’s direction. Acquiring valuable draft capital in exchange for Murray would give Arizona more options for rebuilding or retooling their roster. For the acquiring team, obtaining a quarterback with Murray’s dual-threat skill set would provide an immediate upgrade at the most critical position on the field.
The potential trade reflects the tension between Murray’s proven talent and the uncertainties about the Cardinals’ trajectory as they strive for sustained success. How the team performs in the next two seasons will likely determine whether Murray remains their long-term leader or becomes a trade asset in the broader NFL landscape.