Arizona Cardinals–New York Jets Trade History

Arizona received Roger Finnie, who became a durable Cardinals starter and gave the franchise sustained offensive-line value. His longevity and regular role made him the defining asset in the transaction and gave Arizona a clear advantage once the careers of the exchanged pieces were known. That result supports a A- grade within the Arizona Cardinals Win verdict.

The Jets traded Hall of Fame receiver Don Maynard to St. Louis on Sept. 10, 1973 for a future draft choice that became the 1974 eleventh-round pick, No. 267 William Buckley. Maynard's name was enormous, but his remaining NFL production was tiny: one catch for 18 yards in two Cardinals games. The Jets' pick also produced no meaningful return, leaving the exchange essentially even.

St. Louis acquired Cliff McClain, but his Cardinals return did not match the contribution New York received from Jamie Rivers. The D grade reflects the limited realized value on the St. Louis side after surrendering Rivers and Roger Bernhardt. With Rivers starting sixteen games across two Jets seasons, New York received the more useful outcome from the exchange.

Arizona received the 1992 ninth-round choice at No. 239 and used it on Tyrone Williams. A ninth-round selection carried limited expected value, and its eventual return did not match the meaningful starting work Young supplied to New York. The D+ grade reflects that realized football value and the complete supported package, while the overall verdict is New York Jets Win.

The Jets moved from No. 3 to No. 4 in the 1993 draft, receiving running back Johnny Johnson while Arizona moved up for Garrison Hearst. New York used No. 4 on linebacker Marvin Jones, who became a long-time Jets starter, and Johnson immediately supplied offensive production. Hearst later became a Pro Bowler, but much of his best work came after Arizona, giving the Jets the stronger realized return.

The Jets traded franchise-tagged receiver Rob Moore to Arizona on April 21, 1995 for running back Ronald Moore plus picks No. 16 and No. 106. New York selected Hugh Douglas at No. 16, and he immediately won Defensive Rookie of the Year. Rob Moore became a productive Cardinal, but the Jets received a broader package with both premium capital and impact defensive production.

Arizona sent the 65th pick in the 1998 draft to the Jets for running back Adrian Murrell and the 209th pick. Murrell immediately became Arizona’s starting back, started 14 games in 1998 and scored 10 total touchdowns during the Cardinals’ playoff season. New York later moved the 65th pick for two lower selections. The Jets preserved draft flexibility, but Arizona received the most meaningful immediate football value.

Arizona acquired safety Kerry Rhodes from New York for a 2010 fourth-round pick and a 2011 seventh-round selection. Rhodes started immediately, produced turnovers and remained the Cardinals' starting free safety through 2012. New York used the fourth-round asset in the move for Joe McKnight and later selected Greg McElroy with the seventh, but Arizona received the stronger direct on-field return.