GLENDALE – The 2026 NFL draft is a two quarterback class, which was bad news for the Arizona Cardinals. The franchise was looking to go in a new direction at QB, which meant parting ways with Kyler Murray after seven years. However, the top two trade destinations for the 28-year-old was the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders, the two teams primed to take a quarterback one and two overall.
Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore was expected to go one and two to the Raiders and Jets respectively. However, in shocking news, Moore has announced on Wednesday that he will be returning to Oregon in 2026, leaving New York empty-handed and Arizona primed to take advantage.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore walks the field after the Ducks’ loss as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Syndication: The Register Guard
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Moore staying at Oregon for 2026 season:
The Moore news leave the Jets in a tough situation, as reports have indicated that the franchise was planning to release last year’s starter Justin Fields this offseason. If that remains the plan, New York would be going into the 2026 season with 36-year-old Tyrod Taylor as its starting quarterback, which might lead fans to hysteria.
Before Wednesday the Cardinals had no leverage against the Raiders or the Jets in any possible Murray trade, with the duo having a top-rated quarterback in the draft. New York lose its leverage and has no safety net heading into next year. The franchise could wait till 2027 draft to draft its next franchise quarterback, but can fans endure another buffer year with no direction?
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) on the side line against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Those factors have raised the price tag for Murray into a new stratosphere. Arizona holds all the power in any eventual trade negotiations with New York, and can get a serious haul for the former first overall pick. The Cardinals could recoup some draft assets, and elect to run back Jacoby Brissett as the starter next year or draft a quarterback in the later rounds.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports