Why the Arizona Cardinals Need to Consider Moving on from Kyler Murray

Why the Arizona Cardinals Need to Consider Moving on from...

By Arslan Saleem May 08, 2024 15:48

Kyler Murray's career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Since being drafted as the first overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray has swiftly risen to become one of the top quarterbacks in the league and a superstar for the Cardinals in his early years. His exceptional speed, agility, and arm strength have made him a force to be reckoned with on the field, earning him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2019 and Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kyler Murray (@k1)

The Rise of Kyler Murray

Murray's impact on the Cardinals has been undeniable, leading the team to significant improvements and establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker. His ability to extend plays with both his arm and legs has brought a new dimension to the Cardinals' offense, and his chemistry with star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been a sight to behold.

The 2023 Season and Recent Performance

However, the 2023 season brought about a turning point in Murray's career. While he started the season with promise, injuries began to take their toll. A particularly devastating blow came in the form of an ACL tear, which sidelined him for a substantial portion of the season. Since his return, Murray's performance has been a shadow of his former self. His once-explosive mobility has been noticeably hampered, impacting his ability to make game-changing plays.

Underperformance and Contract Implications

Moreover, Murray's underperformance since signing a giant contract extension has raised concerns among Cardinals' faithful. The expectations that come with such a lucrative deal have not been met, leading to growing frustration among the fan base. The Cardinals' investment in Murray's future was meant to propel the team to greater heights, but the reality has been far from that.

Team's Competitiveness and Financial Considerations

Another critical factor to consider is the Cardinals' current roster and overall competitiveness in the league. It's evident that the team lacks the necessary assets and weapons to compete for a Super Bowl in the near future. With Murray's hefty contract consuming a significant portion of the team's payroll, the Cardinals find themselves in a precarious position. Moving on from Murray could allow them to acquire great young assets through trades and free agency while saving hundreds of millions of dollars in payroll.

The Case for Moving On

Here are several reasons why the Arizona Cardinals should seriously consider moving on from Kyler Murray:

Injuries and Performance Decline: Murray's recent injuries and subsequent decline in performance have raised doubts about his long-term sustainability as the team's franchise quarterback.
Financial Flexibility: The significant financial relief from Murray's contract could provide the Cardinals with the flexibility to address other areas of need and strengthen the team overall.
Acquiring Assets: Trading Murray could potentially yield valuable draft picks and/or talented players, bolstering the team's depth and future prospects.

The Trade

In conclusion, while Kyler Murray's impact on the Arizona Cardinals has been significant, the time may have come for both parties to explore new paths. The team's long-term success and competitiveness in the NFL should take precedence, and parting ways with Murray could be the necessary catalyst for the Cardinals to reposition themselves as formidable contenders in the league once again. While it may be a tough decision to make, it could ultimately prove to be the pivotal move that sets the Cardinals on a path to sustained success.