NFL coach's approach hints at Caleb Williams plan with bad news for Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals have given away three solid players who would undoubtedly improve their team this season - making it clear that they are embracing a losing season.
Although they will not admit it, it has become quite clear that the team is not looking to be overly competitive this season - in the hopes of landing the top draft pick in the upcoming class.
Next year's NFL Draft will feature USC star quarterback Caleb Williams - a player who is seen as the heir apparent to league MVP Patrick Mahomes.
The Cardinals are likely to have two high draft picks, after acquiring the first-round choice from the Houston Texas - who are also expected to struggle this season.
That will give the team a huge opportunity to select first overall, where they will undoubtedly consider the quarterback, despite having Kyler Murray on their roster and under contract.
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super BowlHeading into this season, Murray is set to miss time after rupturing his ACL towards the end of the previous season.
The Cardinals did have a competent quarterback on their roster though, in Colt McCoy. The NFL veteran has performed at a high level in recent years, including two notable wins in Seattle against the Seahawks in the last three seasons.
However, the team made the surprising decision to cut him on Monday - leaving just fifth-round rookie Clayton Tune and veteran Josh Dobbs as the quarterbacks on the roster.
Speaking to the media on Monday, new head coach Jonathan Gannon was asked which quarterback will start the season, before giving an answer which many had thinking the same way. He said: "I don't want to name our starter. That will give us a competitive advantage."
Those quotes have not been received well, with even Cardinals fans laughing at their quarterback options for the season - knowing what they are in for. One fan said: "Oh yeah, I am sure opposition teams are petrified of playing against Dobbs - a man who has never won a game as a starter...".
Releasing McCoy was not the only head-scratching move though, as the Cardinals also traded away quality starting players Josh Jones and Isaiah Simmons for late-round draft picks in future seasons.
Those draft picks are a clear sign that the Cardinals are looking to accrue as many assets as possible for future moves - hurting their chances of winning this season.
Cardinals fans might have more joy watching USC games than their own this season.