The Arizona Cardinals, with a new head coach in Mike LaFleur and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray’s future, may be preparing for a significant roster shakeup. After Murray played only five games this past season following an injury that placed him on injured reserve, questions about his place with the team have intensified amid a reportedly strained relationship with former head coach Jonathan Gannon. Observers suggest the Cardinals could pursue a bold trade strategy to secure a capable Kyler Murray replacement through the 2026 NFL Draft.
Potential Trade Strategy to Secure quarterback Ty Simpson
Holding the fifth overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Cardinals have multiple strategic options. Cameron Sheath of PFSN recently proposed that the team might be better off picking a top offensive lineman with this first-round selection to build protection around their future quarterback. However, Sheath also envisions a trade scenario that would mirror a significant move made by the New York Giants last NFL season, allowing Arizona to acquire a promising quarterback prospect without selecting one at the very top of the draft.
In this scenario, the Cardinals would swap picks with the Denver Broncos, sending their 34th and 104th overall selections in exchange for Denver’s 30th pick in the first round as well as the 168th overall pick. This maneuver aims to secure a better draft position to obtain Ty Simpson, a collegiate QB with notable upside to lead a new era under LaFleur’s coaching.
Evaluating Ty Simpson’s Prospects and Risks
Simpson, who competed for the Heisman Trophy and was once considered a candidate for the first overall pick, posted impressive statistics in his final season at Alabama. He threw for 3,567 yards and 28 touchdowns, while maintaining a low interception count of five. Overall, Simpson recorded 33 total touchdowns in his college career, demonstrating efficiency and playmaking ability despite a decline in form late in the 2025 season.
Still, his limited experience—only one full year as a starter—presents evaluative challenges. Sheath notes,
“There are obvious concerns surrounding a one-year starter with only half of an elite season behind him, but there is intriguing upside, too.”
Likewise, Kyler Murray’s impact last season ranked 21st on PFSN’s QB Impact scale, narrowly ahead of his backup Jacoby Brissett, who stood at 25th, neither offering a clear long-term answer for the Cardinals.
Implications of a Fresh Start for the Cardinals
The Cardinals’ decision to trade up and draft Simpson could signal a definitive end to the Kyler Murray era and the beginning of rebuilding under Mike LaFleur’s leadership. While there are risks inherent in investing heavily in a young quarterback with limited starting experience, the potential payoff is substantial given Simpson’s demonstrated efficiency and playmaking skills. If Arizona proceeds with this plan, the trade to secure Simpson would likely be a pivotal move in shaping the franchise’s future.
As the offseason unfolds, the team’s front office and coaching staff will have to carefully weigh Murray’s health and fit in the new regime against the appeal of an ambitious trade and draft strategy to bring in fresh talent. This approach underscores the urgency felt within the organization to restore competitiveness and establish a reliable starter at quarterback.
