The Arizona Cardinals have faced difficulties with their quarterback position for many years. While the franchise saw moments of success with players like Kurt Warner and Carson Palmer, inconsistency plagued the team since Palmer’s departure after the 2017 season. The selection of Kyler Murray as the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft was expected to change this narrative. Murray, known for his dual-threat capabilities, had high hopes resting on him.
Kyler Murray’s Journey So Far
Kyler Murray has displayed a mix of impressive performances and challenges throughout his career. Although he missed games due to injuries, he managed to start all regular-season games last year for the first time since his rookie season. Despite this progress, Murray’s career win-loss record stands at 38-48-1, indicating a struggle to convert potential into consistent victories.
Jacoby Brissett’s Emergence
In March 2025, the Cardinals’ General Manager Monti Ossenfort signed quarterback Jacoby Brissett as a backup. With 54 NFL starts and experience filling in for other quarterbacks, Brissett offers stability. Recently, he showcased his skills while starting in a game against the Indianapolis Colts, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns, despite the team’s eventual loss.
| Quarterback | Games Started | Yards Thrown (Last Game) | Touchdowns (Last Game) | Interceptions (Last Game) | QB Rating (Last Game) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyler Murray | 5 | 300+ (Multiple Games) | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Jacoby Brissett | 1 | 320 | 2 | 1 | 89.2 |
Comparing Offensive Styles
One interesting aspect of Brissett’s play is his ability to progress through reads quickly, contrasting with Murray’s tendency to abandon the pocket. In his recent game, Brissett successfully moved the offense, completing passes to multiple receivers, and demonstrating a higher level of production than what has been typically seen from Murray.
The Future for Murray and the Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals face significant decisions regarding Kyler Murray’s future with the team. With a struggling team schedule ahead and the potential for his contract weighing heavily, questions arise about his status moving forward. As Murray enters the latter stages of his contract, the organization must evaluate if he can elevate his game or if it might be time for a change.
- Murray’s current contract includes:
- Base salary: $18,000,000
- Roster bonus: $11,900,000
- Workout bonus: $1,857,500
- Cap hit: $43,325,677
- Dead cap value: $100,228,854
As the season unfolds, the Cardinals’ performance will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around their quarterbacks. With potential shown by Brissett, the organization must determine if Kyler Murray has reached his peak or if there is still room for him to prove himself as the franchise’s long-term solution.
