Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner has shared his insights regarding the current quarterback situation of the Arizona Cardinals. He emphasizes that Jacoby Brissett has proven to be an effective player, enhancing the offense”s performance within its framework. Warner also believes that Kyler Murray retains trade value due to his inherent talent, but any potential trading team must be confident in their ability to further develop him.
Warner”s experience with backup quarterbacks taking over starting positions gives him a unique perspective. In 1999, he stepped in for Trent Green when Green suffered a torn ACL, and three years later, he found himself replaced by Marc Bulger amid injuries. Between 2005 and 2007, Warner alternated in and out of the starting role with the Cardinals, ultimately leading the team to its first Super Bowl appearance. Thus, his analysis of the Cardinals” current quarterback dynamics is particularly insightful.
Brissett was named the starter over Murray this week due to both performance and health considerations, and Warner provided commentary on this decision. “The first thing we have to do is recognize that Jacoby”s good,” Warner stated to The Arizona Republic. “Jacoby”s a good player; he”s always been a good player. And it hasn”t been any different since he”s taken over.”
Warner highlighted two critical points regarding Brissett”s impact on the offense. First, Brissett has consistently ranked among the league”s better backup quarterbacks, and his performance does not reflect that of an untested rookie outshining a starter. Second, Brissett”s playing style contrasts with Murray”s; he operates more effectively within the offense”s structure rather than relying on his athleticism to create plays.
“It makes sense with Jacoby who can do that at a high level, that the offense in-structure looks better than it does with Kyler who is more of a first-read type guy,” Warner explained, elaborating on how Brissett”s experience allows for a more structured offense. He noted that Brissett”s time under center has increased the Cardinals” play-action rate significantly.
While Warner acknowledges Brissett”s ability to improve the offense, he also points out the reasons why Brissett has not yet secured a position as a franchise quarterback over his previous six teams. His accuracy has been inconsistent, which became evident during the game against the Dallas Cowboys, where Brissett missed several open throws.
Warner expressed concerns regarding Murray”s consistency, stating, “With Kyler, it”s more about consistency of going through his progressions and seeing things on schedule, letting the offense work for him.” He emphasized that without significant progress from Murray, it”s challenging to envision a long-term future centered around him.
Despite Murray”s knack for making plays with his legs, Warner warned against over-relying on that ability. “If you”re gonna try to make 13 or 14 plays a game by being creative and running around, you”re just not gonna be very successful in that world,” he said. “You”ll make a couple, but it”ll lead to sacks, it”ll lead to negative plays, it”ll lead to missed opportunities.”
If the Cardinals decide to part ways with Murray this offseason, the main challenge will be finding a trade partner. Warner believes that despite potential financial concerns, there will be teams interested in Murray”s talent. “I just think overall there”s gonna be some interest because he”s just extremely talented,” he remarked, recognizing that his past performance includes moments of high-level play and MVP consideration.
Ultimately, Warner believes that Murray”s future hinges on three crucial questions teams must consider if they pursue him: the longevity of his playing style, whether factors in Arizona hindered his development, and the potential for a new team to cultivate his skills effectively.
“You could definitely say that Kyler has shown more than a Sam Darnold and possibly a Baker Mayfield,” Warner noted, indicating that while Murray has challenges, he still presents more promise than some other quarterbacks in similar situations. The key, however, is finding the right opportunity for Murray to thrive.
