This Colts-Kyler Murray trade could actually work
If Kyler Murray becomes available for trade, the Indianapolis Colts would have a path to acquire the talented quarterback.
After Kyler Murray scrubbed his Instagram, there was some noise surrounding him and the Arizona Cardinals. That noise has since gotten louder after reports that Arizona has been critical of Murray’s behavior.
Chris Mortensen reported that Murray has been “described as self-centered, immature and finger pointer,” saying that the vibe between Murray and the Cardinals right now is “alarming.”
Despite these reports, it’s believed that a split isn’t likely yet. Murray released a statement with a picture of him in his Cardinals uniform saying, “this nonsense is not what I’m about.” His statement didn’t necessarily contain a firm commitment to Arizona but it will probably help the situation blow over.
— Kyler Murray (@K1) February 14, 2022
If sports have taught us anything, it’s that where there is smoke, there is usually fire. So the Cardinals may be working internally to calm things down, but the outside world saw the smoke.
To some, that smoke signifies a talented quarterback that may soon be available for trade. For teams like the Indianapolis Colts, that’s something they should keep an eye on.
It’s been pretty clear that the Colts would upgrade at quarterback if they could, and Murray is certainly an upgrade over Carson Wentz. So if Murray becomes available for trade, how would Indy acquire him?
How the Colts could trade for Kyler Murray
The biggest quarterback trade in recent times was Matthew Stafford being moved from the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams. The compensation in that trade will probably serve as a template for any other high-profile QB trades.
It cost Los Angeles, Jared Goff, two first-round picks, and a third-round pick to get Stafford. If the Colts were to acquire Murray, it would be in the same ballpark, probably more.
Indianapolis could do a quarterback swap and offer Carson Wentz as part of the deal. In addition to Wentz, the Colts can offer their 2023 and 2024 first-round picks. Wentz and the two firsts would likely be the minimal offer to get negotiations started.
From that point, it would be a matter of what else Indy is willing to give up. Arizona would probably be interested in the Colts’ 2022 second-rounder pick. Let’s say Indy really wants Murray and gives that up as well, here’s what the trade will look like.
Colts receive: Kyler Murray
Cardinals receive: Carson Wentz, 2022 second-round pick, 2023 first-round pick, 2024 first-round pick
Would this trade be worth it for the Colts?
This trade would give Indianapolis one of the league’s best quarterbacks for the next two seasons. However, Indy does lose the ability to draft first-round talent in the next three drafts.
Considering the Colts roster is mostly set at all but a few positions, that shouldn’t be that big of an issue. Additionally, exchanging Wentz’s contract for Murray’s rookie deal would give Indy even more cap space to pursue free agents.
This is a deal Indianapolis should be comfortable with. It pushes all the chips in to win a Super Bowl in the next two seasons and winning a championship is the ultimate goal.
