Kyler Murray entering NFL Draft brings Josh Rosen intrigue

Less than a year ago, the Arizona Cardinals committed to Josh Rosen as their franchise quarterback.

Kyler Murray’s draft status could put that in doubt.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the Athletics expect their former top pick to declare for this year’s NFL Draft. And that could mean Rosen’s job is in danger.

Not only did Rosen post the second-lowest completion percentage (55.2) of all 33 qualifying quarterbacks in his rookie season, but his new coach, Kliff Kingsbury, is a big Murray admirer.

“Kyler is a freak,” Kingsbury said this past October before his Texas Tech team faced Murray’s Oklahoma. “I’ve followed him since he was a sophomore in high school, and [I] just think the world of him, and what he can do on a football field. I’d take him with the first pick of the draft if I could.”

Now you can, Kliff.

After posting a 3-13 record in 2018, the Cardinals own the top pick in April’s draft and Kingsbury will be part of that decision after being hired as Arizona’s head coach this week.

When the two faced off this past fall, Murray put on a show, totaling 460 yards (360 passing, 100 rushing) and four touchdowns to defeat Texas Tech 51-46.

The Cardinals’ new coach has good reason to like the Heisman winner, but he’s apparently a fan of Rosen as well. Kingsbury said one of his first calls after accepting the position was to Rosen.

“I want to get to know Josh, get to understand what makes him tick,” Kingsbury said at his introductory press conference. “I do think he wants to be a great player in this league. I think he’s very competitive. You watch him play this year and some of the shots he took and continued to get up and continued to fight. That says a lot about the young man. So, I’m excited to develop that relationship.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Thursday morning that it’s “not implausible” for the Cardinals to trade Rosen.

It’s unknown whether Kingsbury was forced to commit to Rosen in taking the job, but Murray’s newfound availability could make for some interesting discussions.