Kyler Murray's trade value boosted by Dante Moore's return to Oregon

Dante Moore is staying in school with the Oregon Ducks for 2026. His decision has impacted not only the college football landscape, but the NFL's as well. Specifically, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray received a boost in trade value after Moore withdrew from the QB market, says ESPN's Josh Weinfuss.

Had Moore declared for the NFL draft, he would have been nearly guaranteed to be the second QB taken off the board, likely ensuring a starting position. But with the NFL having to wait another year to receive Moore's services, QB-needy teams are looking for the next fix.

Now, more teams are looking at Kyler Murray as an answer than before.

Dante Moore's decision benefits Kyler Murray

Now that Moore is off the table, the QB2 of the draft behind Fernando Mendoza is Alabama's Ty Simpson. It seems the value drops significantly from Moore to Simpson in the eyes of NFL scouts, who deem this QB class "weak."

It makes sense that teams would look away from the draft for their next QB. The New York Jets were the consensus mock pick for Dante Moore. It is possible that the Jets pivot from Moore directly to Murray.

It is no secret that the relationship between the Cardinals and Murray has gone sour over the last few years. Murray has been vocal in the past about his issues with the front office, his contract, and the overall situation in Arizona.

With his head coach, Jonathan Gannon, leaving Arizona, many speculate that Murray's time with the Cardinals is essentially over. In the end, a split between the two may benefit both sides, and Moore just paved the way for it to happen.

Kyler Murray has more to give

Murray, without a doubt, is still a great QB talent. Disregarding the off-field issues, the main concerns with Murray are his availability and size. The 5-foot-10, 207-pound QB missed the majority of last season with an injury and was benched for Jacoby Brissett.

In 2018, Murray won the Heisman after throwing for 4,361 yards and 42 touchdowns, leading the Oklahoma Sooners to the college football playoff. He was then drafted first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.

Over seven seasons in Arizona, Murray threw for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions. When Murray is healthy, he is a solid starting QB, and should get the chance to be so again.

Thanks to Dante Moore, there is going to be at least one more QB-needy team, with more coming due to the ripple effect of QBs moving around. Murray could find a home with the Jets or another team like the Pittsburgh Steelers.