A new NFL Draft rumor suggests the Arizona Cardinals have a specific prospect in mind to replace Kyler Murray this offseason.
When the Cardinals used the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on Murray, there was real hope that he could be the franchise quarterback they have been lacking for decades. After his first three seasons in the league, it seemed like he was the pick as Murray earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2021.
However, in the four seasons since, Murray has regressed. Part of that is due to injuries. However, when he has been on the field, he has not been as effective as he was early in his career. Things came to a head in 2025, and after the season ended rumors swirled that Murray's time in Arizona would soon be coming to an end.
Earlier this week, that rumor became reality when the Cardinals reportedly informed the 28-year-old that they plan to release him when the new league year starts next week. Now, the team needs to figure out what they will do at the QB spot in 2026. However, while they have the No. 3 pick in next month's draft, the top signal caller in this year's class, Fernando Mendoza, will be off the board before the AZ gets on the clock.
The next best QB this year is Alabama QB Ty Simpson. However, most draft evaluators believe he is the best selection in the middle of the first round. However, a new report suggests that the team may still attempt to land the Crimson Tide QB as a replacement for Murray.
AZ Cardinals considering Round 1 return for Ty Simpson
This week, NFL insider Todd McShay reported that after the Los Angeles Rams gave up their pick at 29 in a trade for Trent McDuffie, it removed a potential suitor for Simpson. Additionally, he says the Cleveland Browns are unlikely to use the sixth overall pick on the Alabama star, but could select him with their second pick at 24.
However, he claims sources have informed him that the AZ Cardinals are considering trading back up in Round 1 if Simpson is still available late in the round.
While Simpson slumped at the end of last season, there are many talent evaluators, including McShay, who believe his first nine games in 2025 were better than Mendoza, the projected No. 1 pick. And he was hampered by gastritis and poor offensive line play in Alabama's final game of the season.
