ARIZONA CARDINALS

Could the Arizona Cardinals end up in the AFC West?

May 21, 2015, 9:02 AM | Updated: 9:06 am

Presented By...

It’s no longer a matter of if the NFL will return to Los Angeles, it’s now just a matter of when it will happen and what team/teams land there.

Three franchises have been linked to L.A. relocation rumors: the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders and the St. Louis Rams.

The Chargers and Raiders have submitted a plan for construction of a joint stadium in Carson, located about 13 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Fruition of this plan could have a ripple effect on the Arizona Cardinals.

According to CBS Sports’ Jason LaCanfora, there is support around the league for the Chargers-Raiders proposal, although that would lead to other issues for commissioner Roger Goodell. Namely, conference realignment.

Could well be the Chargers and Raiders both move in 2016. It would take two game-day facilities to do so — sources at The Rose Bowl have continued to tell me they cannot support two teams at the same time — and it could be both teams would use their current training facilities for practices for the first season in LA. Some in the know have speculated the Chargers, in exchange for getting the keys to LA, end up moving to the NFC, with perhaps the Cardinals going to the AFC West, which would maintain the Raiders’ rivalries with the Chiefs and Broncos, for as much as that is worth.

Due to the league’s television deals, with NFC games being televised by FOX and AFC games on CBS, two teams in the same market can not be in the same conference. So if the Carson project were to happen, either the Chargers or Raiders would have to swap to the NFC.

Would you be in favor of the Cardinals, one of the oldest franchises in the league and a charter member of the NFC since 1970, switching conferences? Let us know in the comments section below.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Vincent DeAngelis

PFF’s Spielberger grades Cardinals’ free agent class among worst in NFL

PFF's Brad Spielberger gave the Cardinals' free agent class a "C" grade in his latest rankings. It was the worst grade among all 32 teams.

5 hours ago

Jonah Williams pressure Sam Darnold...

Tyler Drake

Report: Free agent DL Jonah Williams visiting Arizona Cardinals this week

Defensive lineman Jonah Williams is visiting the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings this week, according to Aaron Wilson.

14 hours ago

Casita seating at the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals’ new suite options at State Farm Stadium include casitas

The Arizona Cardinals on Monday announced new luxury seating options for 2024, including custom casita suites at State Farm Stadium.

18 hours ago

Justin Fields...

Associated Press

Quarterback carousel: Bears trade Justin Fields to Steelers to clear way for top pick

The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night for draft compensation.

2 days ago

Kyler Murray...

Arizona Sports

Report: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray’s 2025 guarantees kick in

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray had nearly $30 million guaranteed for the 2025 season kick in by remaining on Arizona's roster by Saturday.

2 days ago

Paris Johnson Jr. celebrates with Kyler Murray...

Tyler Drake

Which side of the line will Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. command in 2024?

Even before the Cardinals released D.J. Humphries, there was already talk of Paris Johnson Jr. making the switch from right to left.

3 days ago

Could the Arizona Cardinals end up in the AFC West?