Kyler Murray“s current situation with the Arizona Cardinals remains uncertain, particularly regarding his role as the team”s quarterback. Following a significant loss to the Tennessee Titans a month ago, Murray”s health came into question after he exited the game due to a foot injury. Although he returned to finish the game, it became clear that the injury was serious.
Recently, the Cardinals placed Murray on injured reserve due to a sprained foot, which will sideline him for at least four games. Head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed hope for Murray”s return but acknowledged satisfaction with how the offense has performed under backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
At 3-5, the Cardinals are set to face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. Gannon noted the variability in injury recovery, stating, “Injuries are different for everybody. Obviously for him, (a foot sprain) prevents him from being fully healthy to go play.”
Murray”s performance this season had already raised concerns, as he struggled in his seventh year in the league. After being selected first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, expectations were high that he would transform the Cardinals” fortunes. However, his record of 38 wins, 48 losses, and 1 tie in 87 starts has led to doubts about his ability to lead the team deep into the playoffs.
Despite being a two-time Pro Bowler, Murray has only appeared in a single playoff game, a wildcard loss to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 that has been labeled as one of his worst performances. The Cardinals have since made substantial changes, including a coaching change from Kliff Kingsbury to Gannon, yet the team has struggled to find consistent success, with much of the blame falling on Murray.
If the Cardinals decide to move on from Murray, they face significant financial hurdles. He is in the second year of a $230.5 million contract signed in 2022, with over $125 million committed to him until 2028. The financial implications of releasing him are daunting; a release before June 1 would result in a dead-cap hit of nearly $58 million. Trading him could ease this burden, but Murray”s health and contract make his value difficult to assess.
As he recovers, the Cardinals” offense has shown improvement under Brissett, who has brought stability to the position. In his three games as a starter, Brissett has significantly increased the team”s scoring and yardage compared to Murray”s performance earlier in the season. Teammates have praised Brissett”s leadership and communication skills in the huddle.
With teams like the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins potentially seeking quarterbacks this offseason, the Cardinals may explore trade options for Murray. If he does not return this season, the organization could lean on Brissett while searching for a long-term solution at the quarterback position through the draft or free agency.
Murray has remained silent on his future since the loss to the Titans, but he did hint at his desire to be part of the team”s plans moving forward, expressing optimism about the organization”s new training facility set to open in 2028. His comment, “I hope I”m here to see it,” reflects his awareness of the speculation surrounding his status with the team.
