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With the Cardinals on their bye week, we look ahead to the rest of the season and what areas the team needs to improve upon to stay competitive in the NFC West.

Arizona Republic

The NFL trade deadline is set for 2 p.m. on Tuesday and speculation continues to swirl about possible moves that could be made.

The Arizona Cardinals continue to find themselves in the middle of some of that speculation.

Some big names are involved in that speculation, with NFL writers bringing up Adam Thielen, Ryan Kerrigan, David Njoku, Evan Engram and others as possible trade targets for the Cardinals.

Take a look who NFL writers are saying Arizona should pursue at the 2020 NFL trade deadline.

Will Arizona make a move?

MORE: Stephon Gilmore, J.J. Watt included in Arizona Cardinals’ NFL trade deadline speculation

NBC Sports: Cardinals predicted to make trade for Vikings WR Adam Thielen

Josh Schrock writes: “The Cardinals just stunned the Seahawks on “Sunday Night Football,” moving to 5-2 and a half-game back of first place in the NFC West. Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins and Co. are rolling, while the defense has been doing just enough to collect wins. Making a move to replace the injured Chandler Jones would make a lot of sense, but Kliff Kingsbury has his eyes set on getting Kyler in the MVP discussion. The Cardinals call up the Vikings, who are in desperate need of a blowup, and send a 2021 second-round pick and 2022 third-round pick to Minnesota for Adam Thielen, giving them arguably the best stable of wide receivers in the NFL.”

Fansided: Kevin Zeitler would improve Arizona Cardinals offensive line

Jim Koch writes: “In March of 2019, Zeitler was included in the trade that brought wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns. The 6’4, 315 pounder has started 22 games for New York since he arrived in the “Big Apple”. Zeitler will be an unrestricted free agent in 2022, when his three-year contract with the Giants runs out. Things could get real interesting for the Cards over the next few days. Improving the roster is the next task on general manager Steve Keim’s to-do list. It would not be surprising to learn that Zeitler is on Arizona’s trade-deadline radar.”

CBS Sports: Cardinals should trade for David Njoku from Browns

Cody Benjamin writes: “Njoku would prefer to be a No. 1 tight end somewhere. The Cardinals have pretty much everything but a big presence at the position on offense. In a tough division, they can afford to spend just a little in order to beef up their pass-catching options over the middle.”

MORE: Arizona Cardinals NFL trade deadline speculation swirls around Haason Reddick, Zach Ertz

Bleacher Report: Quinnen Williams could make sense for Cardinals

Alex Ballentine writes: Life is hard in the NFC West. The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers are in fourth place and still have a winning record at 4-3.

That means all four teams are ostensibly in the hunt, and a player acquired at the trade deadline could end up being the difference. The Arizona Cardinals are the team best positioned to make a move. They have more effective cap space in the division than anyone but the Rams, and general manager Les Snead and Co. simply don’t have the draft capital to make a move. If the Cards see the strong start and current three-game win streak as an opportune time to go all-in, then 2019 third overall pick pick Quinnen Williams could make sense. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the New York Jets would consider offers, but it could take multiple draft picks to get it done. Arizona general manager Steve Keim was reportedly a fan of Williams when the Cardinals held the first overall pick in the 2019 draft. The addition of Williams, who already has three sacks on the season, would help a run defense that ranks 25th in yards allowed and a pass rush that is missing Chandler Jones. In a division that has multiple teams in which physicality is embedded in their culture, the Cardinals getting Williams would be a big boost for their battles in the trenches.”

USA TODAY Sports: Cardinals need to add depth on defense

Jori Epstein writes: “The 5-2 Cardinals have pulled off playoff-caliber performances with wins against tough division rivals in Seattle and San Francisco. But the NFC West is stacked, and Seattle shows no signs of letting up in the playoff hunt. Arizona should ensure it has proper depth ahead of November matchups with the Bills and Seahawks, and two contests vs. the Rams in December. Perhaps that’s running back help if Kenyan Drake’s ankle ligament tear is expected to sideline him for an extended period of time. Perhaps another pass rusher to heal the wound that is Chandler Jones’ season-ending biceps injury. Arizona has won two since losing Jones, but the Cowboys had little fight to return and Seattle still piled on 34 points. Ensure Vance Joseph has sufficient depth to dial up his creative blitz packages.”

The Shadow League: Adam Thielen to the Cardinals a bold and plausible deal

It writes: “This one is probably an insane projection but the Vikings are looking like they may tear it down in the “Twin Cities” after their disastrous start and QB Kirk Cousins showing real regression. The division win over Green Bay definitely helps, but it doesn’t make Minny any closer to being a contender. They traded stud wideout Stefon Diggs to Buffalo in the off-season and drafted Justin Jefferson out of LSU as his replacement and he truly hasn’t disappointed one bit. But now comes the debate over should they look to move the Uber talented Adam Thielen. They’re believed to like what they have in Chad Beebe (Son Of Former Bills WR Don Beebe) and Tajae Sharpe whom they acquired in the off-season via free agency. Plus moving Thielen would net a nice pick in return. Last week they traded edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue to the Ravens as well. With all that being said I have him fitting well with the Cardinals as another weapon for Kyler Murray to target. That would give them a trio of Hopkins, Fitzgerald and Thielen. They may have to part ways with Christian Kirk to get their hands on Thielen. There have been rumors of Thielen to Cleveland as well, but Minnesota claims it won’t trade him. It ain’t over till it’s over though.”

MORE: Arizona Cardinals not yet at level of San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks or LA Rams

Bleacher Report: Stephon Gilmore, Ryan Kerrigan, Mike Hughes among Cardinals’ potential options

Brad Gagnoon writes: “The Arizona Cardinals already dealt for veteran edge defender Markus Golden to help fill the shoes that belonged to injured superstar Chandler Jones (torn biceps), but nobody can single-handedly replace Jones on the edge. They should inquire about guys such as Washington’s Ryan Kerrigan and Los Angeles’ Melvin Ingram III. They could also use an upgrade at cornerback, where veteran Dre Kirkpatrick has struggled outside opposite Patrick Peterson. The 30-year-old Gilmore would come cheap if New England decided to blow things up, but a younger alternative like Minnesota’s Mike Hughes, 23, would likely cost next to nothing in a trade and could help shore up the Cardinals there. The interior line isn’t pressing because the offense is making progress and continuity is critical, but another body could help, with J.R. Sweezy (elbow) on injured reserve. Riley Reiff could move inside, while Atlanta might be ready to move on from Alex Mack if it’s in selling mode. Regardless, the 5-2 Cards have to try to buy. This team can contend.”

The Game Haus: Cardinals should trade for tight end  Evan Engram

Chris Thomas writes: “Though the New York Giants seem to be playing better every week, it likely will not stop them from shopping their veterans at the deadline. One veteran that they have been actively trying to move is tight end Evan Engram. Engram was a first round pick by the team in 2017, but has not played up to his draft selection after an inspiring rookie season. He has had struggles staying healthy and hasn’t been able to develop a great relationship with quarterback Daniel Jones. It might be time for the Giants to move off him so they don’t have to pay his $6 million fifth year option next season. The Cardinals have the opportunity to get a similar impact player now. A majority of people could not tell you who the Cardinals starting tight end is. The Cardinals starting tight end is Dan Arnold, who only has 11 receptions for 154 yards and zero touchdowns on the season. The reason for lack of usage is because Kingsbury’s air raid offense usually runs four receiver sets and uses tight ends a lot less than the average team. What makes Engram a perfect fit is that he is a tight end with the skill set of a wide receiver. Despite his recent struggles, he would be a perfect fit in this offense and another weapon for Kyler Murray and this extremely young and explosive offense. What makes Engram attractive too is the fact that he has two years left on his contact and will be more than a rental.”

The Game Haus: Cardinals a potential landing spot for Ryan Kerrigan

Joe DiTullio writes: “Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals have put themselves in a good position to make the playoffs. They have spent a lot of resources to improve the offense, but also need to improve their defense to make themselves legitimate contenders. While they have 19 sacks on the season, they can still improve in this area. Their best pass rusher, Chandler Jones, is out for the season with a right biceps injury. Because of this, they should be exploring the trade market for pass rushers. Kerrigan would be a cheap way to improve their pass rush, while they try to make a run at the playoffs.”

MORE: NFL’s best division: AFC North, NFC West stake claim to title entering Week 8

Sporting News: David Njoku makes sense for Cardinals

Vinnie Iyer writes: “Njoku, 24, has expressed his desire to leave Cleveland, caught in a numbers game with free-agent addition Austin Hooper and promising rookie Harrison Bryant. The 2017 first-rounder, only signed through 2021 after the Browns picked up his cheap option, is looking for a more prominent receiving role. As an athletic target, Njoku would fit a team like NFC wild-card hopefuls Carolina and Arizona. Philadelphia also makes sense, too, with Zach Ertz on the shelf and wanting to keep 12 personnel strong with Dallas Goedert.”

Sporting News: Trent Murphy would be a good fit in Arizona

Vinnie Iyer writes: “The Bills have been disappointed with their defense and Sean McDermott benched a healthy Murphy in Week 6. The 2014 second-rounder will turn 30 in December and is showing diminishing returns as a pending free agent. Buffalo would be fine moving forward with Mario Addison and rookie first-rounder A.J. Epenesa opposite Jerry Hughes. Murphy could help the Cardinals in a hybrid 3-4 role as that team is dealing with an injury to end Zach Allen and has limited pop at outside linebacker without Chandler Jones.”

Sportsnaut: Kyle Rudolph would be a great fit on Cardinals

Andrew Buller-Russ writes: “Like many NFL trades, any potential trade will likely be based around draft picks. Don’t expect the Vikings to part with Rudolph for anything less than a 5th round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, many of the teams that may be interested in Rudolph would likely be in playoff contention, so the pick would be in the latter half of whatever round it falls in. Teams like the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals and more would likely gladly insert Rudolph right into their starting lineup right away.”