The Cardinals sit at the bottom of the NFC West, and the team’s lack of success has naturally led to some trade rumblings. While Marquise Brown would seem to be a worthy trade candidate, Dianna Russini of The Athletic writes that the Cardinals aren’t looking to deal the wide receiver.
“Hollywood” hasn’t seen a significant drop-off in production this season despite going from Kyler Murray to Joshua Dobbs at quarterback. The receiver is pacing the Cardinals in receptions (29), receiving yards (334) and touchdowns (three). This follows a 2022 campaign in Arizona where Brown finished with 67 catches for 709 yards and three touchdowns. Brown missed a handful of games while recovering from a fractured foot.
The former Ravens first-round pick is playing out the 2023 campaign on his fifth-year option, and he’s set to hit unrestricted free agency following the season. Considering the Cardinals’ unlikely playoff chances and Brown’s uncertain future in Arizona, the receiver seemed like a logical trade candidate. However, Russini notes that the wideout “looks to be part of this team’s future,” a potential hint that the Cardinals will look to retain the receiver this offseason.
Further, the Cardinals aren’t in any rush to add draft capital. As Russini notes, the front office is currently armed with six picks in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Cardinals would probably be hard-pressed to recoup the first-round pick they gave to Baltimore for Brown, especially since most suitors would view the receiver as a rental. The front office would presumably rather take their chances with Brown’s free agency than take on another non-Day 1 pick.
More must-reads: