Former NFL executive predicts shocking draft decision for Cardinals

Former NFL executive and current ESPN personality Mike Tannenbaum isn't convinced the Arizona Cardinals are as all-in on starting quarterback Kyler Murray as they've suggested. 

For a mock draft updated on Tuesday, Tannenbaum predicted that Arizona will spend the fourth pick to grab Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy. 

"I really like McCarthy's long-term upside," Tannenbaum explained. "The 21-year-old averaged nine yards per attempt and completed 72.3% of his throws last season, and he bulked up to 219 pounds at the combine. In short, I think he's a better, younger and more durable quarterback than Murray right now, and I'm not passing up this chance." 

The alleged rise of McCarthy's draft stock from the fall months through his recent pro day workout has become a fascinating NFL story. It was previously thought the Washington Commanders were essentially a lock to take either LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels or North Carolina Tar Heels starter Drake Maye via pick No. 2. But it was reported Monday that executives who know Commanders general manager Adam Peters "well" think Peters could make McCarthy the draft's second choice. 

For what it's worth, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and others within the organization routinely backed Murray while the 26-year-old recovered from a serious knee injury and after the signal-caller went 3-5 across eight starts this past season. Murray signed a five-year contract extension in the summer of 2022 worth $230.5M with $160M guaranteed, but Tannenbaum noted that deal may not prevent Arizona from adding McCarthy to the roster. 

"Teams routinely eat substantial dead money these days for a better opportunity at the position," Tannenbaum pointed out. "And besides, I think the Cardinals could get a first-round pick back in exchange for [Murray]." 

Specifically, Tannenbaum said that Arizona could trade Murray to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are seemingly preparing to move up from No. 11 in the draft order to get a rookie quarterback such as McCarthy. 

Meanwhile, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk mentioned on March 4 how the Denver Broncos accepted cap charges of $35.4M for 2024 and $49.6M for 2025 related to their release of quarterback Russell Wilson. Murray's deal includes $35.3M guaranteed for 2024 and $29.9M guaranteed for 2025, but recent history shows such figures are meaningless in a world where the salary cap is often little more than an accounting tool.