Could unique idea result in teams trading for Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa, Cardinals' Kyler Murray?

Recent reports indicated that quarterback-needy teams showed little interest during last week's scouting combine in trading for either Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins or Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals.

In March 2017, the Cleveland Browns absorbed $16M in guaranteed salary to acquire quarterback Brock Osweiler and a second-round draft pick from the Houston Texans. Some previously suggested the Dolphins and/or the Cardinals could go down a similar route this offseason, but it seems that such a transaction is unlikely for those clubs.

Trades involving Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa, Cardinals' Kyler Murray seem unlikely

"Various league sources loved the thought of replicating that scenario with Murray or Tagovailoa," The Athletic's Jeff Howe wrote while referencing the Osweiler deal for a piece published on Tuesday. "But they are skeptical it will happen."

In the summer of 2024, the Dolphins signed Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212.4M contract. The often-injured quarterback has since dealt with additional setbacks, and he was most recently benched in favor of rookie Quinn Ewers late this past season.

As for Murray, he inked a five-year contract extension reportedly worth $230.5M with $160M guaranteed in the summer of 2022. That December, he suffered an injury that left him needing ACL surgery and some meniscus repair. 

This past season, Murray made just five starts before he was shut down due to a lingering foot issue.

Why Dolphins, Cardinals may have to accept reality regarding possible trades

"The Dolphins’ new regime already inherited a messy cap situation, so they wouldn’t be in a rush to attach the No. 11 pick to free up cash — not when they’d still incur $45.2M in dead money against the cap," Howe continued. "...Murray’s contract isn’t as restrictive, and he’s viewed as the more talented of the two. But multiple league sources relayed concerns about his leadership skills, and he has accrued injuries throughout his career that have caused late-season tailspins." 

Howe added that there's "minimal buzz" that teams will trade for Tagovailoa or Murray before their current employers face reality and release the signal-callers. It's unclear if any team will give either quarterback a starting job or if the two will be asked to compete for QB1 gigs later this summer.