The Las Vegas Raiders have made some huge acquisitions already this summer. The team’s coaching staff is highly remarkable with the signings of head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly while retaining defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Many expected the Raiders would move into 2025 with a rebuild in mind but it does appear like Carroll’s hiring suggests the team will seek to contend fast. There are solid pieces on the roster but it’s going to be hard to win a lot of games without a good quarterback directing the attack.
Gardner Minshew will likely get cut and Aidan O’Connell is at best a high-end backup. The Raiders could look to the draft to solve the need but this is regarded a weak class. This could prompt the team to see what veterans are available. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggested the possibility of Las Vegas trading for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
“Kyler Murray would be an interesting fit,” Ballentine wrote in a Feb. 3 column. “It feels like the Cardinals have hit a ceiling with him at quarterback, and his contract would be tradeable this offseason. However, the Cardinals don’t have a replacement in place, so the Raiders might have to give up a lot to convince the Cardinals to execute the move.”
Is Kyler Murray Worth Trading For?
Murray would without question be an upgrade at quarterback for the Raiders. He passed for 21 touchdowns this season and sprinted for another five. However, they aren’t the type of numbers you want to see from a quarterback on a $230.5 million contract.
He’s being paid like a top-10 quarterback but hasn’t played like one. That said, he is only 27 and his skill is unquestionable. Kelly has sufficient experience working with mobile quarterbacks and Murray may be a wonderful match in his scheme.
Also, Murray has often been likened to Russell Wilson due to his physique and playing style. Carroll won a Super Bowl with Wilson and perhaps see that potential in Murray. If the Raiders don’t like the quarterback alternatives in the draft, they could do a lot worse than Murray as long as the price isn’t too high.
What Could Murray Cost in a Trade?
Murray may have been able to command several first-round picks in the past but the Cardinals certainly aren’t looking at a large windfall if they trade him. The Raiders may not even want to give away the No. 6 in the 2025 NFL Draft for Murray. Perhaps a 2026 first-round pick could get it done or numerous second-round picks.
For Arizona, they may not want to consider that. If Murray can return to 2020 form when he tossed 26 touchdowns and carried for another 11, he would be significantly more valuable than he is currently. His deal is going to make it difficult to move him for a lot of assets and it extends through 2027 at least. The Cardinals may be better off giving Murray one more season.
If he plays well but Arizona still wants a fresh start at quarterback, he may be more valuable with fewer years left on his contract.
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