The Arizona Cardinals currently hold the second-worst record in the NFL at 1-6; only the 0-6 Carolina Panthers are worse. With less than a week until the NFL Trade Deadline, it would make sense for the Cardinals to be sellers.
That, in the opinion of NFL executives who spoke to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, is exactly what they plan to do. While emerging star wide receiver Marquise Brown has received interest from teams around the league, a trade involving him isn’t likely. But, for the rest of the roster, moves could be made.
“I don’t foresee Arizona moving Marquise Brown, barring surprise. Though some execs believe Arizona, in a general sense, is open for business,” shared Fowler.
One of the veterans who could have been on the move was tight end Zach Ertz. But, he landed on injured reserve, complicating trade matters. He can still be moved, but it is hard to imagine teams will offer much in a trade for a player who has to miss at least three more games.
Another veteran who has garnered attention is safety Budda Baker. He requested a trade in the offseason that wasn’t fulfilled as the Cardinals worked out an amended contract. Still seeking an extension, Baker would likely be accepting a deal elsewhere, but Arizona has not made him available.
While their record screams seller, general manager Monti Ossenfort isn’t in a position in which he *has* to make a trade. If the right deal comes along, pulling the trigger makes sense. But the job he has done cleaning up the salary cap and stockpiling assets already has been impressive.
The Cardinals have six picks in the first three rounds in 2024 and five on Day 3. Projected to have $66 million in cap space in 2024, Ossenfort could make some big upgrades to the roster this offseason.
There isn’t a rebuilding team in the NFL in as good of a position as Arizona is. Regardless of what happens with quarterback Kyler Murray, this is a franchise whose arrow is pointed up. Either they have a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback under center, or they have a signal caller on a rookie contract, which is the most valuable asset a team can possess.
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