One of the biggest storylines heading into the 2019 NFL Draft is that the Arizona Cardinals could select Kyler Murray. Naturally, this persistent rumor has led to plenty of chatter that a Josh Rosen trade is going to be coming soon, which could be a tremendous boon for the young quarterback.
The big picture: Arizona is in a full-blown rebuild and has a poor offensive line. Rosen suffered greatly in his first year playing for the Cardinals, and a trade could be just what the doctor ordered to get him on the right track.
Rookie blues: Much like Jared Goff did in his rookie campaign, Rosen had a brutal first year as a pro quarterback.
- He completed just 55.2 percent of his passes, ranking second-worst (behind Josh Allen) among NFL starters.
- Rosen averaged a paltry 5.8 yards per attempt, which was the worst number in the NFL by far last year among starters.
- He endured 45 sacks, despite playing in just 14 games, which was seventh-most in the league.
- Throwing just 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, his rookie season was not a positive experience whatsoever.
Based on the way the roster is constructed in Arizona right now, things don’t figure to improve much in 2019, either.
The Kliff Kingsbury dynamic: Arizona hired Kingsbury to the surprise of many, and most expect him to implement a scheme that lends itself to a more mobile quarterback.
- Kingsbury is known for his version of the “Air Raid” offense, and while quarterbacks who aren’t known for being mobile have done well (Case Keenum), it’s worth pointing out that mobility is a huge plus.
- It’s no secret that Kingsbury is enamored with Murray, and that he’s made it clear he would jump at the chance to draft him.
- Rosen is better suited to a pro-style offense that keeps him in the pocket.
- While Rosen might have success playing for Kingsbury, it’s obvious that the coach wants a more dynamic playmaker under center.
Trade partners: It’s all just rumors at this point, yet it’s impossible to ignore that the teams reportedly interested in Rosen would be perfect fits for him going forward.
- The New York Giants have been most prominently connected to Rosen. They want to have Eli Manning play this year, and maybe even in 2020. In New York, Rosen would have a chance to gain valuable experience behind a veteran while integrating into the quarterback-friendly system Pat Shurmur runs.
- The Los Angeles Chargers are a contender with a star quarterback, and a rock-solid offensive line (not to mention outstanding receivers). Rosen would be in an ideal spot here to learn from Philip Rivers and potentially step right into the starting lineup when he retires.
- The New England Patriots obviously would be a fantastic team for Rosen to join. Tom Brady is the ultimate leader and relentless worker. Studying under him, while learning Josh McDaniels’ system, would be incredible for any young quarterback.
There are other teams that could be ideal fits and potentially make a deal for Rosen, as well.
The bottom line: Being traded one year after the Cardinals moved up in the draft to select Rosen might feel like a slight against him. Yet in the long run, this potential outcome might be the best possible thing that could happen to the former UCLA star.