3 teams that could risk a first-round pick for Christian McCaffrey

Arizona Cardinals could gamble on Christian McCaffrey

Imagine a pairing of Kyler Murray and Christian McCaffrey in the same backfield. That is something that could benefit the Arizona Cardinals an untold amount and especially if James Conner ends up leaving in free agency.

The Cardinals appear right on the cusp of something special. Had they not lost stud wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to injury in 2021, the team might have gone deeper into the playoffs, and putting McCaffrey into Kliff Kingsbury’s high-octane offense would be almost unstoppable with so much talent at the wide receiver spot.

Arizona would probably like to have Conner back rather than give up a first-round pick for McCaffrey. The veteran got a new lease of life with the organization last season and there could be even more to come if he receives an extension this spring.

The thought of McCaffrey, Murray, and Hopkins on the same offense are enough to strike fear into every defensive coordinator across the league. This also looks like a great scheme fit that could improve the running back’s longevity along the way.

If the Cardinals went down this route, it would be the biggest indicator yet that they are all-in on a Super Bowl run when competitive action resumes once again. But much will depend on whether something can be worked out with either Conner or Chase Edmonds, who is also on the lookout for a new deal in the coming weeks.