The most surprising division leader through eight weeks is the Arizona Cardinals. Sure, it’s technically on a three-way tiebreaker, but few thought the Cardinals could challenge the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers after a 4-13 campaign.
Arizona still has work to do to make a surprise playoff run; that could make the Cardinals surprise buyers at the Nov. 5 trade deadline. Below we take a look at one potential move to help Kyler Murray and the passing offense.
Cardinals Should Add Another Weapon for Kyler Murray
Trade proposal:
- Cardinals receive: WR Courtland Sutton
- Broncos receive: 2025 conditional fifth-round pick (can become a fourth-round pick)
Arizona would have to provide real value here given that the Denver Broncos would be taking on a $20.1 million dead cap hit by moving Sutton. This would mirror what the Kansas City Chiefs gave up in their trade for DeAndre Hopkins with the Tennessee Titans in late October.
Sutton is coming off a season-high 100 yards in last week’s game against the Carolina Panthers but hasn’t been the cleanest fit with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Sutton’s 50% catch rate is tied for the lowest of his career, which has offset his highest target rate (22%) since 2020.
On the other hand, Murray has thrived throwing the type of 50-50 balls outside the numbers that Sutton thrives on. Murray is averaging 8.1 yards per attempt on throws outside the numbers, with seven touchdowns to one interception. Nix is averaging 5.9 yards per attempt on those passes with five touchdowns and two picks.
Courtland Sutton comes down with a WILD touchdown catch 👀
📺: #LACvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/zPOmhitQ43— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024
Beyond Sutton’s fit, his presence would also weaponize the Cardinals’ top target, rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. Harrison had his best game in a while in Week 8, reeling in six catches for 111 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Miami Dolphins.
Notably, Harrison got to play out of the slot more, where he has been more efficient. Part of the rookie’s inconsistent production has stemmed from his usage, which has featured plenty of vertical routes from an X-receiver alignment. In Sunday’s game, Harrison had his highest percentage of snaps from the slot in any game this season.
Harrison isn’t a true X receiver, but Sutton is. The Broncos receiver has lined up out wide on 86% of his snaps this season. He’s an easy plug-and-play option who would allow Harrison to play his more natural position and would work well with Harrison and Michael Wilson in three-receiver sets.
The impetus for Denver to do this trade would be to add more picks and open up playing time for rookie receivers Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele. Neither has exceeded 50% of the snaps outside of the Week 6 game versus the Los Angeles Chargers, but both have flashed and appear better suited for the YAC-centric approach that works with Nix.
In addition, the Broncos will still be carrying a $32 million dead cap hit from Russell Wilson in 2025. That will limit their ability to add in free agency and require Denver to hit in the draft to add cost-controlled contributors. Adding another pick or two would aid in that effort.
The Cardinals may be playing with house money in 2024, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t try to take advantage of their unexpected window as contenders. Buying at the trade deadline could quietly make the Cardinals one of the more well-rounded offenses down the stretch.