The Arizona Cardinals are in a tough place right now, and because of that, they have quite a few unknowns to work through in 2023. Kyler Murray tearing his ACL when he did was an insanely unfortunate event.
Couple that with the contract he agreed to with the team, and questions about his commitment to the team and even football, and the Arizona Cardinals are in a tough place.
They are one of two teams who have not hired a head coach just yet, and they do not appear to be in any rush. It does seem like candidates are a bit weary of this job because of Murray.
While he’s a true dual-threat quarterback, he does not exude what you’d want in a franchise quarterback. And it does appear like the contract his also turning some people off.
Not only that, but the Cardinals have the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and have questions on both sides of the ball.
The contract itself isn’t too bad from a team perspective, as he has no guaranteed money left on his deal after 2024. Also, the team can digest a potential Murray cut in 2025 when they’d save roughly $32 million against their cap and eat about $13 million in dead money.
So, they aren’t tied to Murray for more than a couple of years, but that apparently has not changed the minds of potential coaching fits.
Also, when does he return from his ACL injury?
Not only that, but what is their quarterback plan in the meantime, and could that week one starting QB be a potential long-term answer after Murray?
Seeing as they have the third overall pick, could they even consider drafting a quarterback?
They’d be guaranteed to have two of Anthony Richardson, Will Levis, Bryce Young, and CJ Stroud on the board when they get to the clock, unless they trade down.
This team is in a major transition period, and with a new coach and GM in town, I am interested to see how this all pans out.