Pass or Pursue: NFL Rumors re: FanSided trade scenario - LA Rams acquire QB Kyler Murray?
By Bret Stuter
Even as the LA Rams are working frantically to fine tune the team to compete in their final preseason game, and ultimately prepare for the 2023 NFL season, the LA Rams are once more named in an NFL Trade scenario that involves the quarterback position.
But as NFL Rumors go, this is hardly a compelling one. In fact, this is the brainchild of FanSided contributor Jakob Ashlin, who took it upon himself to craft 5 trade destinations for Cardinals QB Kyler Murray if the Arizona Cardinals hit a hard reset this year. While the topic may be intriguing for Arizona Cardinals fans, NFL teams who may be shopping for their quarterback Kyler Murray if he is suddenly placed on the trade block will not include the LA Rams.
How do I know this?
Well, the three basic questions for any NFL Trade scenarios are:
- I – Can the teams do it?
- II – Does it make sense for the teams to do it?
- III- Would a normal NBA GM make this trade for either team?
While I personally do not think that we clear those basic questions in this particular trade scenario, we will carry this one over the course of the discussion. After all, he took the time to mention the Rams as a possible trade partner
Reasons to Pass
Let me count the ways. While the Arizona Cardinals believed in the versatility of dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray, to unlock his NFL potential, the Cardinals offense was forced to reconfigure just about everything just to optimize his strengths. And having done that, Murray's NFL record after four NFL seasons so far is 25-31-1.
Yes, Kyler Murray can run with the football. But entering year five, his ability to stay healthy, throw the football, and run with the football is in decline. And that's just what he does with the football in his hands after the ball is snapped. Off the football field, we have discussed the immaturity of Murray, The last thing any NFL team needs is a problem quarterback who is a tremendous financial burden.
Worst of all, I simply do not see any indication that Kyler Murray is remotely suited to play for LA Rams head coach Sean McVay. Murray wants to run the show, and Coach McVay is not equipped to handle a prima donna QB under center. After getting the Arizona Cardinals' general manager and head coach fired, the heat is on QB Kyler Murray to deliver. I personally do not think that he can.
Reasons to Pursue
Like it or not, QB Kyler Murray has some talent. He can beat opponents with his arm or his legs. And LA Rams head coach Sean McVay is the right offensively minded head coach to toss in a few new wrinkles to get the most out of Kyler Murray in the time remaining in his NFL career.
While Murray stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 207 pounds, Rams rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 190 pounds. So in terms of offensive philosophy and creating more favorable pockets by rolling out, Murray is already suited for the offense that Stetson Bennett plays.
The Rams flirted with a dual-threat quarterback in the past. Could trading for QB Kyler Murray scratch that itch once and for all? Perhaps.
Final Verdict: Hard Pass
The Rams would need to be incentivized to take on Murray's overinflated contract. And as intriguing as a Kyler Murray - Sean McVay offense might be in some regard, I cannot see the Rams willingly taking on the Kyler Murray plague of headaches that he will bring to his new team.
It was a fun mental exercise, but I have to give this one a very hard pass.