While the Arizona Cardinals don’t know when quarterback Kyler Murray will return during the 2023 NFL season, the 25-year-old is already making a strong impression on the new coaching staff before he takes the field.
Murray, who tore his ACL on Dec. 12 against the New England Patriots, is without a timetable to return from knee surgery. Arizona anticipates quarterback Colt McCoy starting games to open the regular season, but the franchise remains committed to Murray long-term.
- Kyler Murray stats (career): 13,848 passing yards, 84-41 TD-INT, 66.8% completion rate, 92.5 quarterback rating, 2,204 rushing yards, 23 rushing touchdowns in 57 games
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The Cardinals strayed from conventional wisdom this offseason, hiring a defensive-minded head coach instead of pairing Murray with a top offensive mind. As the young quarterback rehabs from ACL surgery, he’s spending a lot of time in the team’s facility and is making a strong first impression on the new staff.
During an appearance on Pro Football Ireland, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network shared the early buzz he’s heard out of Arizona regarding Murray.
“From everything I’ve heard, Kyler in the building, in meetings has been really good with the new staff.
Tom Pelissero on Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray
- Kyler Murray contract: $16.007M cap hit (’23), five-year and $230.5 million contract
Pelissero also noted that Arizona’s front office handled this offseason with a focus on long-term flexibility and there’s a recognition the team won’t be competitive this upcoming season. Furthermore, the NFL reporter acknowledged that Murray could still be traded next offseason depending on where the Cardinals land in the 2024 NFL Draft order.
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The positive impression Murray is making on the new coaching staff is important for his future. A year removed from questions regarding his study habits and leadership, Murray is displaying a level of professionalism and dedication that is expected from a franchise quarterback.
It doesn’t guarantee that Murray will be the Cardinals’ starting quarterback for years to come. However, he’s handled his responsibilities as much as possible this offseason and provided himself with the opportunity to prove himself when he returns to the field.
