Obviously a new QB would be needed. Other than RT, the Cards are reasonably protected against major 2026 departures. This reflects a good job by Ossenfort in building depth. The Cards, however, have to be cautious because they will have potentially a concerning number of FA departures in 2027.
Looking at Murray, there will certainly be a market for him. In fact with the cost of competitive QBs skyrocketing and the supply limited, even a bad season will not likely severely impact Murray’s value. There are always teams that will believe they can fix any problem. A dual threat QB is hard to come by. Finally Murray’s salary by then would be classed as affordable and he’s controllable through 2028. He’s ranked 12th in cost per season.
What could the Cards get in return? I think they’d get a surprisingly good return. Consider a team like the Raiders or even Pittsburgh. Their fans haven’t had anything to cheer about in a long time. I know the Steelers are off the a great start, but suppose Rodgers gets injured or retires. There are several teams in a similar situation. There won’t be enough sure draft options to fix everyone, though it’s a decent QB draft. Plus some of these teams’ fans will want to win now and won’t wait for a draft pick. They don’t want a rookie. There will be competition for Murray. I think the Cards would get a first maybe even around pick 10, plus a second or third rounder if the round 1 pick is late in the round. I know that sounds like a great deal but what other veteran QBs are available? Two years ago when Murray’s salary cost was higher Colin Cowherd thought the Cards could get 2 number ones for Murray. Some would be genius QB whisperer will want him.
I think the Cards’ fans would be tolerant of going with a rookie. Also I think the defense will be strong enough that a QB wouldn’t be expected to win games on his own. The Cards could make it work with the right QB candidate. It’s too early to name my preferred choice. The cost? Certainly it’s possible the Cards get part of the the needed picks in the Murray deal. So they may have to surrender the acquired number one, their own number one and maybe their 2027 number one if the pick is top 10. This team has the depth to afford that. Much depends on their QB of choice.
As it stands now both the 2026 & 2027 drafts will offer potential starting QBs. If everyone comes out, 2026 in particular could be outstanding. That said, many of the preseason favorites have struggled to be dominant. There will be mid-first round QBs who will have interesting developmental potential. They might not be immediate starters, but with a year of experience some might be effective. There are an enticing number of QBs who will play in the NFL one day. If some stay in, 2027 could be deep as well. Brissett wisely is under contract for 2026 and I could see the Cards living with him as a 2026 starter to start the season. There’s also the possibility a decent veteran QB might be available.
There’s a lot of college football to be played. If I’m still functional I’ll get you some options later in the season. Rounds 2 & 3 will offer excellent WR options. It’s an extraordinarily deep pool. The Oline needs help. Considering free agents plus 3rd & 4th round choices there will be options at IOL. Even if the Cards give up the number ones, they have enough draft picks to fix some issues.
The RT replacement will likely be a free agent. The Cards will lose $20K+ of cap trading Murray, but they have tons of recoverable cap through cuts on unneeded players and restructuring, possibly around $40K. Then there’s a $20K+ likely cap increase.
Murray moving on will require a major adjustment. With a little good fortune the Cards can stuill be a playoff contender in 2027.
Looking at Murray, there will certainly be a market for him. In fact with the cost of competitive QBs skyrocketing and the supply limited, even a bad season will not likely severely impact Murray’s value. There are always teams that will believe they can fix any problem. A dual threat QB is hard to come by. Finally Murray’s salary by then would be classed as affordable and he’s controllable through 2028. He’s ranked 12th in cost per season.
What could the Cards get in return? I think they’d get a surprisingly good return. Consider a team like the Raiders or even Pittsburgh. Their fans haven’t had anything to cheer about in a long time. I know the Steelers are off the a great start, but suppose Rodgers gets injured or retires. There are several teams in a similar situation. There won’t be enough sure draft options to fix everyone, though it’s a decent QB draft. Plus some of these teams’ fans will want to win now and won’t wait for a draft pick. They don’t want a rookie. There will be competition for Murray. I think the Cards would get a first maybe even around pick 10, plus a second or third rounder if the round 1 pick is late in the round. I know that sounds like a great deal but what other veteran QBs are available? Two years ago when Murray’s salary cost was higher Colin Cowherd thought the Cards could get 2 number ones for Murray. Some would be genius QB whisperer will want him.
I think the Cards’ fans would be tolerant of going with a rookie. Also I think the defense will be strong enough that a QB wouldn’t be expected to win games on his own. The Cards could make it work with the right QB candidate. It’s too early to name my preferred choice. The cost? Certainly it’s possible the Cards get part of the the needed picks in the Murray deal. So they may have to surrender the acquired number one, their own number one and maybe their 2027 number one if the pick is top 10. This team has the depth to afford that. Much depends on their QB of choice.
As it stands now both the 2026 & 2027 drafts will offer potential starting QBs. If everyone comes out, 2026 in particular could be outstanding. That said, many of the preseason favorites have struggled to be dominant. There will be mid-first round QBs who will have interesting developmental potential. They might not be immediate starters, but with a year of experience some might be effective. There are an enticing number of QBs who will play in the NFL one day. If some stay in, 2027 could be deep as well. Brissett wisely is under contract for 2026 and I could see the Cards living with him as a 2026 starter to start the season. There’s also the possibility a decent veteran QB might be available.
There’s a lot of college football to be played. If I’m still functional I’ll get you some options later in the season. Rounds 2 & 3 will offer excellent WR options. It’s an extraordinarily deep pool. The Oline needs help. Considering free agents plus 3rd & 4th round choices there will be options at IOL. Even if the Cards give up the number ones, they have enough draft picks to fix some issues.
The RT replacement will likely be a free agent. The Cards will lose $20K+ of cap trading Murray, but they have tons of recoverable cap through cuts on unneeded players and restructuring, possibly around $40K. Then there’s a $20K+ likely cap increase.
Murray moving on will require a major adjustment. With a little good fortune the Cards can stuill be a playoff contender in 2027.
