Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said he is listening to his counterparts regarding the No. 4 overall pick in next month’s NFL draft owned by the Cards.
In his second season on the job, Ossenfort added that doesn’t mean he’s desperate to make a trade, but that if a good deal presents itself, he’ll be willing to make a move.
“We will always listen,” Ossenfort said Wednesday. “We will always have conversations. We may not get to the point of an agreement, whether it’s for the 4th pick or any other we have, but we will always have conversations. »
Unlike many teams at the top of the draft, the Cardinals already have a franchise quarterback in Kyler Murray, who is tied to the team on a five-year, $230.5 million contract that could keep him in the Arizona desert until 2028.
Conversely, Arizona needs help almost everywhere else. Rumors link the Cardinals to two of the top receivers in this year’s draft, Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and LSU’s Malik Nabers.
It’s possible, however, that the team could go in another direction to add more picks rather than just one great one. Ossenfort showed in his rookie year that he isn’t afraid to make bold moves in the draft.
While it was up to the Cards to talk in 2023, he traded the 3rd pick to the Houston Texans for picks 12 and 33, only to move up in the draft by acquiring the 6th pick in a deal with the Detroit Lions.
The Cardinals used the 6th selection on Paris Johnson Jr., who immediately became a cornerstone of the team at the right tackle position, starting in all 17 games.
Ossenfort said he’s willing to wait until draft night if that’s what it takes to get the price he wants for his early selection.
“We’re talking at 4th, which means we don’t know what’s going to happen at picks 1, 2 and 3. People are speculating, ‘Hey, if that happens or so-and-so is available, maybe We can talk.” That’s what’s likely to happen. »
“But at the end of the day, there’s still a lot that’s uncertain and, really, there will be until we get there that Thursday night in April. »
Draft night could be a big moment for the Cardinals, who have otherwise been pretty quiet so far this offseason. Some of their biggest signings include offensive tackle Jonah Williams, cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., running back DeeJay Dallas and defensive linemen Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols.
The Cardinals continued to make additions Wednesday, announcing that offensive lineman Evan Brown had signed a one-year contract. He started 16 games at center for the Seahawks last season.
The Cardinals also have a new quarterback to support Murray in Desmond Ridder, who was acquired from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for receiver Rondale Moore.
Ridder, 24, started 13 games for the Falcons last season but struggled with consistency. He completed 64% of his passes for 2,836 yards, but had the same number of touchdown passes as interceptions with 12.
The Cardinals could use a solid quarterback given Murray’s injury history. He missed the final four games of the 2022 season and nine more in 2023 due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He also suffered from hamstring and ankle problems during his five seasons.
Coach Jonathan Gannon and Ossenfort said the opportunity to add a young, experienced quarterback was appealing.
“The skill set, his size, his arm, his mobility, his intelligence and he plays fast,” Gannon said. “I think he’s a really good addition. »
2024-03-21 15:22:00
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