Cardinals trades are shrewd moves for whichever QB they build around

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals trades are shrewd moves for whichever quarterback they build around

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 8/24/23

Whereas most teams are gearing up for the 2023 season, Arizona has its sights set on 2024, and for good reason.

The Cardinals have a far greater chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft than reaching the playoffs.

The front office is certainly aware of its pending forecast. On Thursday, it agreed to two trades, parting with defensive back/linebacker Isaiah Simmons and offensive tackle Josh Jones in exchange for two 2024 NFL Draft picks.

Arizona acquired a seventh-rounder from the Giants in its deal involving Simmons. Hours later, the Cardinals received a fifth-round pick from the Texans in exchange for Jones and an unspecified seventh-round pick.

As ESPN's Adam Schefter noted, Arizona also added future picks during April's 2023 NFL Draft, a first (Houston) and two thirds (Houston, Tennessee).

Cardinals added an extra first-round pick (HOU) and two third-round picks (HOU, TEN) during draft week in April, and now have added another fifth-round pick and seventh-round pick by trading Josh Jones and Isaiah Simmons today. Arizona stockpiling draft capital. https://t.co/xpQm6PLC7D
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2023

With the trades, Arizona has 10 picks in the first five rounds of the 2024 draft. The Cardinals were also somehow able to get a fifth-round pick from the Eagles after tampering with Jonathan Gannon. That one still needs some explanation.

All of that draft capital will undoubtedly help Kyler Murray... or Caleb Williams. It's not out of the realm of possibility Arizona continues its firesale after the season, especially if it's in possession of the No. 1 overall pick.

In that scenario, the Cardinals may find it difficult to pass on Williams. Arizona likely needs to see Murray back in his 2021 form when he was the front-runner for MVP through the beginning of December to feel comfortable passing on USC's Heisman Trophy winner (if he even declares for the draft).

Should Murray play at a Pro Bowl level, it makes more sense for the Cards to use their two (likely top five) first-round picks on wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Brock Bowers, then use its eight other picks in the first five rounds to fill out areas of need on defense and the offensive line.

Arizona has positioned itself for an ugly 2023 but a bright future beyond that. The biggest question for the Cardinals is which quarterback will lead them out of the darkness.

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