The biggest issue the Arizona Cardinals need to address this offseason is the quarterback position. With a $52.6 million cap hit, incumbent starter Kyler Murray is likely on the way out. The only question is if it comes via trade or if his complicated contract results in a release instead.
Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic listed three trade candidates for the Cardinals. One of them is former Indianapolis Colts first-rounder Anthony Richardson. The other two are Spencer Rattler, a quarterback with Arizona ties, and Tanner McKee.
The Cardinals have been linked to former Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis. However, they may find themselves in a bidding war for Willis’ services, and may have to commit to $25 million-plus per year to sign him. That could make addressing the rest of the roster more difficult, especially if they have to release Murray. Thus, a trade could be a better alternative.
Daniel Jones Extension Opens Door for Anthony Richardson Trade
Based on the Colts’ recent actions, Richardson could become available in a trade this offseason. Despite injuries resulting in a late-season collapse, they’re working to bring back Daniel Jones. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported on Good Morning Football that the Colts will try to negotiate a multiyear contract to keep Jones in Indianapolis.
Should the Colts successfully re-sign their quarterback ahead of free agency, that would allow them to listen to offers on Richardson. At a $10.816 million cap hit, that may be too rich for a backup. Especially when he’s coming off a season where he missed a lot of time due to an unfortunate eye injury. He fractured the orbital bone during pregame exercises before the Colts played the Cardinals.
That opens up a lane for Arizona to trade for the three-year veteran and see if he can win the starting quarterback job. It’s unclear who else would be vying for the former first-rounder’s services. It shouldn’t cost the Cardinals much in draft capital to make a deal happen.
Why the Cardinals Could Be Interested in Anthony Richardson
The Cardinals are 15-36 under general manager Monti Ossenfort. The poor finish to the 2025 season led to Jonathan Gannon, Ossenfort’s first head coach, being fired. With team owner Michael Bidwill citing piling losses as the reason to move on from Gannon, there is pressure to win right away.
That should mean they solve their quarterback issue in free agency. They may select a quarterback on the second day of the draft, but he probably doesn’t start. Mackie lists Ty Simpson and Garrett Nussmeier as potential targets.
With Richardson, the Cardinals would only have to commit $5.385 million on essentially a one-year deal. That would allow Ossenfort to address other positions of need.
It’s unclear if Richardson is a better starting option than Jacoby Brissett. He missed most of the 2025 season after fracturing his orbital bone in a pregame exercise before the Colts played the Cardinals. Ironically enough, it was also the same game as Brissett’s first start of the season.
The upside to the deal is they could take a flyer on Richardson and see if, in a better offensive structure, he can perform better. However, the downside is that he has a lower floor than Brissett. If this move doesn’t work out, then the Cardinals might be deciding between Arch Manning and Julian Sayin as their starting quarterback in 2027. And Ossenfort might not be the one making that call.
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