The Arizona Cardinals are gearing up for an intriguing season. Imagine if quarterback Kyler Murray stays healthy and quickly develops a strong connection with new wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., leading the Cardinals to rack up points. While fans can still dream, the reality is that three Cardinals players are potential trade candidates as the 2024 training camp begins. One name circulating in trade discussions is running back Michael Carter. Carter, who once showed promise with the New York Jets during his rookie season, ended up in Arizona but could be on the move again. Other possible trade candidates include linebacker Zaven Collins and wide receiver Chris Moore.
RB Michael Carter fighting for a spot with the Cardinals
When the Jets drafted Breece Hall in 2022, it didn’t bode well for Carter’s career. Hall’s selection was the right move for the Jets, provided he stays healthy, but it left Carter on the outs. After being released by the Jets, Carter was picked up by the Cardinals, where he had a modest season with 22 carries for 149 yards and no touchdowns in 2023. He also caught nine passes for 33 yards, scoring his first career receiving touchdown.
The Cardinals’ decision to draft Trey Benson in the third round (No. 66 overall) further complicated Carter’s position. Benson’s size (6-foot, 216 pounds) and speed (4.39 in the 40-yard dash, third-fastest among running backs at the NFL Combine) give him an advantage over the smaller Carter (5-8, 201 pounds). This has relegated Carter to the third-team, with fourth-teamer Emari Demercado potentially challenging him as well. While Carter is likely to make the squad, the Cardinals might consider packaging him in a trade to bolster their defense, which was the lowest-graded in the NFL last year.
LB Zaven Collins might not be part of long-term plans
The Cardinals’ decision not to pick up the fifth-year option for linebacker Zaven Collins has made him eligible for free agency after this season, signaling that the team might be looking to move on after his underwhelming performance on the edge in 2023. Collins, who recorded 100 tackles as an inside linebacker in 2022, saw his production drop to 41 tackles and just 3.5 sacks when moved outside. The $13.2 million extension he would have received next season was deemed too high by the Cardinals, who opted to keep him for just this year unless they find a trade partner.
Collins has taken the news in stride, acknowledging the business side of the NFL and expressing his commitment to the team. Despite the Cardinals’ struggles on defense in 2023, other teams might find value in Collins as an inside linebacker where he has previously thrived.
WR Chris Moore might be on the move
The wide receiver room in Arizona is crowded, which could leave veteran Chris Moore on the outside looking in. While Moore has managed to stay on NFL rosters for seven years, he hasn’t carved out a significant role. His best season came in 2022 with the Houston Texans, where he caught 48 passes for 548 yards and two touchdowns. However, his performance dipped with Tennessee last year, partly due to an inconsistent offense.
Although Moore’s trade value is limited, his reliability as a backup could make him a valuable addition in a trade aimed at strengthening the Cardinals’ defense.
While the Cardinals’ offense has the potential to be competitive, their defense needs attention to avoid dragging the team down. Addressing these roster issues before the season starts is crucial for the Cardinals.