Cardinals predicted to replace Kyler Murray in 2026 NFL Draft

Cardinals predicted to replace Kyler Murray in 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Arizona Cardinals have not had an ideal 2025 season.

Entering Week 14, the team is sitting at 3-9 and is buried in the basement of the tough NFC West. Quarterback Kyler Murray has not played since Week 5 due to a mid-foot sprain, and wasn't playing all that well even before the injury.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon recently announced that Murray's practice window will not be opened, even though the quarterback is officially eligible to return. It's unknown if Murray will even play again in 2025, and veteran Jacoby Brissett has played well in relief.

As a result of the team and Murray's struggles, it's possible the team could look for a new quarterback in the 2026 draft. Dan Wilkins of the Score recently published an updated mock draft that features the Cardinals taking Oregon quarterback Dante Moore with the No. 8 pick.

Regarding that selection, Wilkins offered the following analysis:

After seeing the offense fare better with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, the Cardinals must be considering moving on from Kyler Murray. Moore could be a nice long-term fit with Marvin Harrison Jr. if he declares after a big season at Oregon.

As Wilkins mentioned, the Cardinals have been better with Brissett in, even if it hasn't translated to wins.

In 2025, Brissett has completed 67.6% of his passes for 2,188 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. Before getting injured, Murray had completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.

Dante Moore could thrive in Arizona

The Cardinals could decide to reset at the quarterback position, considering they are headed for a top pick. Moore is an intriguing prospect who could be in the running to be the top quarterback taken if he decides to enter the draft.

In 2025, Moore has played in 12 games for the Ducks and has 2,733 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. The quarterback has also rushed for 191 yards and one score while completing 72.5% of his passes.

Moore has arguably the highest ceiling of any prospect in this class. The Oregon product has an NFL arm and enough athleticism to extend plays with his legs. There is some questionable decision-making at times, but he could thrive in the right environment.

In Arizona, Moore would have Marvin Harrison Jr., who still looks like he could be elite, and Trey McBride, who is one of the top tight ends in the league.

Will the Cardinals move on from Murray?

Considering the Cardinals have only made the playoffs once under Murray, and the team looks better without him this season, it wouldn't be surprising to see a change get made.

Murray signed a massive five-year, $230.5 million deal with the Cardinals back in 2022. However, if the team trades him after June 1, they could save around $40 million while only eating around $11 million in dead money.

If the team drafts Moore, there would likely be several moves willing to take a swing on Murray. Of course, the team could decide to run it back with Murray for one more season, maybe with a new coaching staff, and see if the results are any better.