**ARIZONA — With ample cap space and a pressing need to improve, the Arizona Cardinals often emerge as a prime trade destination for some of the league’s brightest stars seeking a fresh start and a lucrative contract.**
Despite winning only four games last season, the Cardinals seem to be on the right path under head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Kyler Murray is back and healthy, surrounded by legitimate weapons and an improved offensive line. If a few players step up on defense, particularly on the edge and in the secondary, the Cardinals could exceed expectations.
However, the NFL thrives on star power, and one of the league’s brightest stars might soon be available for trade.
Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb is looking for a substantial payday, which his performance since being drafted in the first round just a few years ago certainly warrants.
Whether Dallas will pay up remains uncertain, as Lamb is one of several stars, including Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons, looking to secure big contracts.
“For the second consecutive year, there’s a possibility a key starter will hold out of training camp. Lamb missed the entire offseason program and is expected to miss training camp if he doesn’t get a new deal,” wrote Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.
Lamb could command a contract worth around $30 million per season, whether in Dallas or elsewhere.
Lamb, who earned All-Pro honors last season with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, has a significant impact on the field. His potential presence could alter game plans for coordinators across the NFL.
Trade speculation around Lamb has intensified as his contract extension remains unresolved.
Murray and Lamb once dominated defenses together at Oklahoma, achieving accolades like Murray’s Heisman Trophy and Lamb’s All-American honors. The dream of reuniting in the NFL was nearly realized when Murray, drafted first overall by the Cardinals in 2019, lobbied for Arizona to draft Lamb. However, the Cardinals selected versatile Clemson defender Isaiah Simmons instead, and Lamb was picked by Dallas nine selections later.
Acquiring Lamb now would come at a higher cost, but some are still vocal about bringing him to Arizona.
Adding Lamb to a core featuring Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, Zay Jones, Trey McBride, James Conner, and others would create significant challenges for defensive coordinators and bolster Arizona’s offensive arsenal.
With so many capable players, the Cardinals could potentially lead the league in various offensive categories. Lamb’s presence would also reaffirm the organization’s commitment to Murray as a franchise cornerstone.
However, acquiring Lamb would come with a hefty price.
A recent comparable trade is Tyreek Hill’s move from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins, which involved a 2022 first, second, and fourth-round pick, plus fourth and sixth-round picks in 2023. Given Lamb’s younger age, his value might be even higher.
Additionally, Lamb would need a significant contract extension, likely in the range of $30 million annually. Although surpassing Justin Jefferson’s $35 million annual average is difficult, Lamb’s camp could aim to exceed A.J. Brown’s $32 million yearly wage, with substantial guarantees.
With training camp weeks away, the Cardinals have the draft resources and cap space to make a significant move if desired.
General manager Monti Ossenfort has not indicated any plans for major trades early in his tenure. While the Cardinals are optimistic, they recognize the extensive work needed to improve their roster.
Offensively, the Cardinals are poised to perform well without Lamb. If all goes as expected, they already anticipate being among the league’s best in offensive production. Lamb would be a great addition but isn’t necessary to elevate Arizona’s offense to the next level.
Arizona believes in their star and future top wideout Harrison, who was recently drafted and remains on a cost-controlled contract for at least three years before extension talks begin.
The Cardinals would be better off allocating resources elsewhere, focusing on overall team improvement and building through the draft.
Although Lamb is an exceptional player with a promising future, the Cardinals are not just one wideout away from a Super Bowl. Addressing other areas and maintaining its draft-focused strategy will keep Arizona on track toward their long-term goals.
