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Draft Rumor Claims AZ Cardinals Will Trade Back into Round 1 for Kyler Murray’s Replacement
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- Draft Rumor Claims AZ Cardinals Will Trade Back into Round 1 for Kyler Murray’s Replacement
A new NFL Draft rumor suggests the Arizona Cardinals have a specific prospect in mind to replace Kyler Murray this offseason.
When the Cardinals used the 1st overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on Murray, there was real hope that he could be the franchise quarterback they've lacked for decades. After his first three seasons in the league, it seemed like they hit on the pick as Murray earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2021.
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However, in the four seasons since, Murray has regressed. Part of it is due to injuries. However, even when he has been on the field, he hasn't been as effective as he was early in his career. Things hit a tipping point in 2025, and rumors swirled after the season that Murray's time in Arizona would soon come to an end.
Earlier this week, the rumor became a reality when the Cardinals informed the 28-year-old they plan to release him when the new league year begins next week. Now, the team must figure out what they will do at the QB spot in 2026. However, while they have the No. 3 pick in next month's draft, the top signal caller in this year's class, Fernando Mendoza , will be off the board before AZ is on the clock.
The next best QB this year is Alabama QB Ty Simpson . However, most draft evaluators feel he is a mid-first-round pick at best. However, a new report suggests the team could still try to land the Crimson Tide QB to be Murray's replacement.
AZ Cardinals considering trade back into Round 1 for Ty Simpson
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
This week, NFL insider Todd McShay explained that after the Los Angeles Rams gave up their pick at 29 in a trade for Trent McDuffie , it eliminated a likely suitor for Simpson. Furthermore, he says the Cleveland Browns are unlikely to use the sixth overall pick on the Alabama star, but could select him with their second pick at 24.
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However, he claims sources have informed him the AZ Cardinals are considering a trade back into Round 1 if Simpson is still available late in the round.
While Simpson slumped late last season, there are quite a few talent evaluators, including McShay, who feel his first nine games in 2025 were better than projected No. 1 pick Mendoza. And that a bout of gastritis and bad offensive line play hampered him in the final games of Alabama's season.
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