2018 NFL Mock Draft: 10 Big trades create mass chaos

Thanks to the surprise retirement of Carson Palmer, the Arizona Cardinals found themselves in need of finding a replacement at quarterback for the 2018 season, which arguably was a scenario they should have focused on more over the last year or so. Clearly, the Cardinals knew that Palmer’s playing days were coming closer ending sooner rather than later, and only time will tell when it comes to whether the decision to pay $20 million to Sam Bradford was a wise move.

In a way, it’s ridiculous to see the high amount of money Bradford has made throughout his football career when considering how much time he’s missed due to injuries, but also this shows how desperate Arizona was for a quarterback to use during the 2018 season. After missing out on the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, the Cardinals would hate to see that number jump up to three seasons, and as much hope as there is for Bradford, the team needs to focus on a quarterback of the future.

That’s where trading up for Baker Mayfield comes into play for Arizona since waiting until No. 15 seems like too much of a risk when seeing how many teams in need of a quarterback may consider the Oklahoma standout before then. Even a team like the Denver Broncos, who also have a short-term answer in Case Keenum, may consider Mayfield at No. 5, which is why the thought of trading up has to be considered for the Cardinals.