Josh Rosen trade talk is heating up throughout the league with speculation that the Arizona Cardinals could take Kyler Murray with the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL draft.

Why would the New York Giants (or any other NFL team for that matter) be interested in trading for the quarterback?

The Heat Index takes a look at some intriguing reasons to pursue Rosen, the former UCLA QB who struggled in his first season in the NFL.

1. Arizona’s 3-13 season wasn’t entirely his fault

Rosen had to play behind a patchwork offensive line and went through an offensive coordinator change during his rookie season. He was often running for his life, but still managed to throw 11 touchdowns on the year against 14 interceptions. He showed glimpses of possible future greatness amid all the turmoil in Arizona last season.

JOSH ROSEN TRADE REPORT: New York Giants to explore deal for Cardinals QB 

2. Eli Manning could mentor Rosen

The Giants have to move on from Manning eventually and acquiring Rosen could provide the opportunity for the young quarterback to sit a season and learn from the 2-time Super Bowl winning quarterback. Rosen had Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon to learn from last season, Manning is in a completely different class. Rosen could be a great successor to Manning.

3. Rosen would help the Giants rebuild

The Giants have traded away Odell Beckham Jr. and several other players, but they still have Saquon Barkley and other key young pieces to build around in the future. Rosen with Barkley could form a great young nucleus to lead New York for the next decade.

NFL MOCK DRAFT: Kyler Murray or trade for Cardinals with No. 1 NFL draft pick

4. Rosen could use a fresh start

When he came out of UCLA, Rosen was considered by some to be the most pro-ready passer in the 2018 draft. Could a coaching change for him help his career like Jared Goff’s in Los Angeles? He might not fit Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme in Arizona perfectly, but the scheme in New York could better fit him and his skills.

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5. Rosen’s contract is affordable (and he could save team more money)

Under his rookie contract, Rosen is due just $1.28 million in guaranteed salary in 2019 and not much more in 2020 and 2021 ($800,000 increase per season). That makes him an appealing possibility for the Giants and other teams looking for an affordable, young quarterback. Also, Eli Manning is due a $5 million roster bonus if he isn’t cut by Monday, so if the Giants wanted to save more money, trading for Rosen and then starting him would pay off financially right away.

MORE: Charley Casserly slams Cardinals’ Josh Rosen: ‘Doesn’t work hard enough’

The last time we can remember quarterbacks switching teams between the Giants and Cardinals worked out very well for both teams.

Arizona landed Kurt Warner, who led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance. The Giants went with Eli Manning, who won two Super Bowls in New York.

Could Arizona taking Kyler Murray with New York trading for Josh Rosen be beneficial for both teams this time around?

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Photos: Josh Rosen

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