26 June 2023 , 17:18
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Less than one year ago, the Arizona Cardinals would have had no long-term quarterback worries whatsoever after signing Kyler Murray to a huge five-year, $230 million (£180m) deal. But now, an interesting opportunity looks set to present itself.
Signing Murray was a move that was not too criticised at the time, with the two-time Pro Bowler living up to the hype after being selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Despite issues with his height, which many argue limit him as a passer, Murray still boasts impressive statistics since coming into the league - throwing 84 touchdowns and rushing for 23, while throwing 41 interceptions.
Certainly better than league average, Murray is a quarterback who a lot of teams would wish that they'd have as their starter.
But with the Cardinals likely to be one of the worst teams in the league this year, and having the Houston Texans draft pick, they could be in line to move on from Murray to rebuild around a new quarterback, with him likely sidelined for the entire 2023 season after tearing his ACL.
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To trade Murray, the move would be financially-crippling, but not one that would be impossible to do.
If Arizona chooses to trade Murray, his salary would cost $13 million (£10.22m) on their salary cap for 2024, but that would jump significantly to $30 million (£23.58m) in 2025. They could also trade him prior to June 1, 2024 - in a move that would cost them a whopping $46 million (£36.6m) - the most dead salary cap that any NFL team would have incurred.
The main reason why the Cardinals are likely to consider moving on from Murray will have little to do with his injury - with ACL's being routine recoveries in recent years - but with everything to do with USC's Caleb Williams.
Caleb Williams might be the perfect quarterback prospectThe Heisman Trophy winner will be draft eligible in 2024, with the Cardinals likely to have two high picks from their own record and the Texans - both teams who are seen as likely strugglers.
Williams has drawn strong comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, with some even suggesting that he could be even better than the Kansas City Chiefs star.
Williams is coming off the back of a sensational season for USC in the Pac-12 - throwing for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns - also rushing for a further 10 touchdowns. He is seen as the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck entered the league in 2012.
Next year's NFL Draft has a number generational prospects, which Arizona could use to build around Murray, should they not pull the trigger on drafting Williams.