The Arizona Cardinals have been a relative surprise through the first four weeks of the 2023 NFL season. Led by quarterback Joshua Dobbs, it seems Pro Bowl signal caller Kyler Murray’s future in Arizona is uncertain.
Murray, who suffered an ACL tear in December 2022, has been planning to return at some point during the 2023 season. The Cardinals didn’t activate him off the PUP list when first eligible Monday and there is more uncertainty regarding a timeline for his return.
- Kyler Murray stats (career):Â 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
Related: Latest injury update on Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray
However, Murray’s availability for the 2023 campaign and a timeline for a return to the field aren’t even the biggest questions in Arizona. Instead, many around the NFL are focused on Murray’s long-term future and a growing unknown of exactly what the Cardinals want to do with him.
Reporting for ESPN, NFL insider Dan Graziano shared conversations from around the league centering on a lack of certainty regarding Murray’s future in Arizona. As of now, it seems the Cardinals don’t know if they want Murray to be their starting quarterback in 2024.
“Based on my conversations with various sources about this situation, I do not believe the Cardinals have decided what they will do with Murray after this season. And that’s obviously understandable. He’s still not healthy enough to play, they don’t know when he will be, and it’s too early in the season to know what their other options are for 2024 and beyond.”
Dan Graziano on Kyler Murray’s future with Arizona Cardinals
Depending on where Arizona picks in the 2024 NFL Draft order, it could find Murray’s replacement with one of two top picks next spring. Given Murray is one of the highest-paid NFL players, there’s a strong argument from a team-building perspective to trade Murray and move forward with a quarterback on a rookie contract.
- Kyler Murray contract: $16.007M cap hit (’23), five-year and $230.5 million contract
Related: Kyler Murray making strong impression on Arizona Cardinals staff
However, the 26-year-old made a strong impression on the coaching staff this summer and seems to be improving his reputation following questions about his work ethic last season. When healthy, he’s also proven he can be a franchise quarterback.
Arizona obviously doesn’t have to rush into any decision and the NFL trade market in 2024 will certainly factor into whatever path they choose. With a new front office and coaching staff, though, it’s very possible the Cardinals ultimately decide to explore trade options with Murray next spring.