Could Carson Beck Be the Cardinals’ Next Franchise QB?
Kyler Murray’s future in Arizona is anything but certain. And with the Cardinals holding the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the buzz around who could be under center next season is heating up fast.
One name that’s quickly gaining traction? Carson Beck.
A Seasoned College Vet with Championship Pedigree
Beck’s college résumé is nothing short of impressive. The Jacksonville, Florida native spent five years at Georgia before transferring to Miami for the 2025 season.
While at Georgia, Beck was part of two national championship teams (2021 and 2022), and when he finally got the reins as the starting quarterback in 2023 and 2024, he didn’t disappoint. Over those two seasons, he threw for 7,426 yards and 52 touchdowns across 27 games, leading the Bulldogs to a 24-3 record during that stretch.
Then came his final collegiate chapter at Miami. Beck posted a career-high 30 touchdown passes and racked up 3,813 passing yards, guiding the Hurricanes to a 13-3 season and a deep playoff run.
While he didn’t bring Miami its first national title since 2001, his performance-especially in high-pressure playoff moments-turned heads. A 5:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the postseason helped cement his status as one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft.
The Cardinals' Quarterback Conundrum
Arizona is at a crossroads. They’ve seen flashes of brilliance from Kyler Murray, but injuries and inconsistency have clouded his long-term outlook with the franchise. Now, with Dante Moore opting to return to Oregon and remove his name from the 2026 draft pool, Carson Beck’s draft stock is rising fast-and the Cardinals are firmly in the mix.
According to Polymarket Sports, Arizona currently holds a 41% chance of selecting Beck at No. 3 overall. And the fit makes sense.
At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Beck brings the kind of prototypical size and pocket presence that many evaluators believe Murray lacks. He’s played a ton of football, has experience in big games, and has shown he can lead talented teams through tough competition.
Weapons in Place for a Young QB
If the Cardinals do go all-in on Beck, he won’t be starting from scratch. Arizona’s offense features some intriguing young talent that could help ease the transition for a rookie quarterback. Tight end Trey McBride has emerged as a reliable target, wide receiver Michael Wilson continues to develop, and the potential addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. would give Beck a top-tier weapon on the outside.
With that kind of supporting cast, Beck wouldn’t be asked to carry the offense from day one. Instead, he could grow into the role while being surrounded by playmakers who can help elevate his game-and vice versa.
What’s Next?
The Cardinals’ decision at No. 3 could define the next era of their franchise. If they believe Kyler Murray’s time in Arizona has run its course, Carson Beck offers a compelling alternative. He’s got the arm, the poise, the experience, and the leadership qualities teams covet in a franchise quarterback.
Arizona missed out on Robert Saleh, but with the draft approaching, their next move could be even more significant. Keep an eye on Beck-he’s not just rising up draft boards; he might be rising straight into the Cardinals’ starting lineup.