Vikings and Cardinals predicted to pull off blockbuster quarterback trade

The Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals both have a question mark at the quarterback position.

The Vikings need to add a veteran quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy after the former first-round pick failed to cement himself as the long-term answer in 2025 and was the biggest reason Minnesota missed the playoffs.

In Arizona, the expectation is the Cardinals will trade Murray if there are any takers, which would leave Jacoby Brissett as the only notable quarterback under contract.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton makes an intriguing prediction for both teams that sees a trade that sends McCarthy to Arizona and Murray to the Vikings. Moton then suggests the Cardinals sign Kirk Cousins to provide some insurance.

"The Cardinals should call the Minnesota Vikings about a signal-caller swap to dump Murray's contract and take on J.J. McCarthy's rookie deal," Moton said. "The third-year quarterback's contract would cost only about $6 million against the cap."

"In addition, Arizona can add Kirk Cousins to replace Jacoby Brissett, who may not fit into the new coaching staff's plans," Moton added.

This trade would make sense for both teams.

The Vikings would get a proven veteran quarterback who would be an upgrade over McCarthy and gives Minnesota a better chance to make the playoffs. And, at the age of 28, Murray can be a multi-year solution.

Meanwhile the Cardinals would get a young signal-caller who gives them at least some semblance of hope for the future at the position.

Arizona can deploy McCarthy in 2026 and see if he can cement himself as the long-term answer. If not, the Cardinals can turn to the 2027 NFL draft, when the quarterback class will be much better.

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