A year after drafting him with the #10 pick overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals have announced the trading of QB Josh Rosen to the Miami Dolphins. The news comes as little surprise after the Cardinals used their #1 overall pick in this year's Draft to select another QB in Kyler Murray from the Oklahoma Sooners.
The Draft, which was held just three days ago, marks the first time an NFL team has drafted a quarterback in the first round of two consecutive Drafts. Right now, keeping track of the QB situation around the league is more difficult than trying to keep track of bookie offers being made to online sports bettors.
While the trade isn't surprising after drafting Murray, it is surprising the Cardinals would trade Rosen at a discounted price. This is the man GM Steve Keim traded up to get with the 10th pick just last year. The rationale around the move is not clear. As part of the trade, Arizona were able to take Miami's second-round pick (#48 overall) and trade down with New Orleans for their second-round pick (#62 overall) and a better position in the later rounds in this year's Draft and a fifth-round pick from Miami in 2020. With that second-round pick, the Cardinals chose WR Andy Isabella from U Mass. While a bit on the small side, Isabella has speed and good hands. He was actually the NCAA's leading receiver.
Perhaps the drafting of Murray and Isabella does highlight what the Cardinals are trying to accomplish. If nothing else, Murray brings a lot more athleticism to the QB position based on his ability to run the ball. Rosen is a bit more of a traditional drop-back passer. If head coach KIlff Kingsbury is looking to install an up-tempo offense, Murray would certainly be the right choice to run such an offense, and Isabella might be the perfect slot man.
Miami has got to be pleased. The trade brings them great value in terms of solving the team's QB problem by securing a 1st round QB at a 2nd round price. It's not like Rosen is lacking the tools to play in the NFL. Last season, he started 13 of the 14 games in which he played, throwing for a total of 2,278 yards, 11 touchdowns and 14 picks. Arizona finished 3-13 on the year. Those are decent numbers for a rookie QB who had little support from the other skill positions.
Clearly, both teams are in rebuilding mode. It's quite possible these moves put Arizona a little ahead of the curve, but the Dolphins aren't that far behind. It's safe to assume both QBs will probably open the season starting for their respective teams. It's also quite possible Dolphins GM Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores could opt to let QB Ryan Fitzpatrick start the season behind center, giving Rosen a little more time to learn the offense. All eyes will be on the first two preseason games.
