Trade rumor from ESPN links Falcons, Jets to possible offseason deal with Cardinals

Could the New York Jets or Atlanta Falcons make a trade for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett this offseason?

One NFL insider from ESPN thinks it could happen.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the door is still open for the Cardinals to keep Kyler Murray, who has been considered a trade candidate this offseason.

If Murray stays, Fowler believes that could pave the way for Arizona to trade Brissett, who played well in place of an injured Murray last season.

If Brissett hits the block, Fowler says the Jets and Falcons are two teams that could come calling thanks to the veteran signal-caller's connections with Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich and Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski.

"In Arizona, my sense is that Kyler Murray staying with the Cardinals is still possible. New coach Mike LaFleur is familiar with Murray's game," Fowler reported.

"Nothing is decided as LaFleur sorts through staffing issues. Keeping Murray could prove the path of least resistance. If he stays, Jacoby Brissett would become a workable trade candidate. He's due a reasonable $4.88 million in base salary.

"He has friends in the league -- such as Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski and Jets offensive coordinator Frank Reich -- who could have interest in getting him," Fowler concluded.

Brissett makes sense for both teams.

The Jets don't have a sure starting option on their roster going into the offseason. Justin Fields failed miserably at cementing himself as the long-term solution and will likely be cut, and Tyrod Taylor is a pending free agent.

While Brissett isn't a sexy quarterback option by any stretch, he could bridge the gap for New York until they find their guy. At the very least, Brissett would make the Jets more competitive than Fields did.

In Atlanta, the Falcons need some competition and an insurance policy for Michael Penix Jr. It's possible Atlanta has that on its roster already in Kirk Cousins, but the expectation is he'll be cut this offseason.

Brissett would be an ideal fit for what the Falcons need. He can push Penix while also giving Atlanta a fallback option in case the third-year signal-caller falters.

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