When the Arizona Cardinals selected Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, they made a bold statement. They committed to an electrifying, dual-threat quarterback who had eschewed a potential MLB career for a chance to be the face of an NFL franchise. In the years since, Murray has shown flashes of brilliance, moments of frustration, and—most crucially—enough volatility to make his future in Arizona the most pressing question the franchise must answer.
With the 2025 NFL season on the horizon and a full regime reset already underway under general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals stand at a franchise-altering crossroads. Despite a solid showing in 2024 following Murray’s return from a torn ACL, Arizona’s brain trust has not yet publicly committed to Murray as their long-term solution. In fact, their 2025 offseason moves suggest the organization is intentionally keeping its options open.
At the heart of this uncertainty lies a simple yet monumental question: Is Kyler Murray truly the quarterback to lead the Arizona Cardinals into sustained contention?
Kyler Murray’s Talent is Undeniable
When Kyler Murray is at his best, he is one of the most electric playmakers in football. His agility, improvisation, and uncanny ability to escape pressure make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In 2020, Murray flirted with MVP conversations, posting 3,971 passing yards, 819 rushing yards, and 37 total touchdowns.
However, his career has not followed a linear trajectory. After making the Pro Bowl in both 2020 and 2021, Murray struggled with consistency, injuries, and the increasingly awkward relationship with former head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The 2022 season was particularly disastrous, ending prematurely due to an ACL tear in December and marked by poor performance prior to the injury. The Cardinals finished 4–13 and cleaned house at season’s end.
Still, it would be short-sighted to pin Arizona’s struggles solely on Murray. A porous offensive line, underwhelming receiver depth, and a declining defense all contributed to the team’s regression. When healthy and given protection, Murray has often delivered winning football.
The 2024 Return: A Step Forward
After a 10-month rehab, Kyler Murray returned to action in Week 10 of the 2024 season. Expectations were modest—few quarterbacks bounce back immediately from ACL injuries, especially those who rely on mobility as Murray does.
Yet Murray exceeded expectations. He led Arizona to a 5–4 record in his nine starts, demonstrating poise, leadership, and an ability to operate within Drew Petzing’s system. He finished the season with 2,178 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and another 314 yards and 4 scores on the ground.
Perhaps most encouragingly, Murray seemed more composed in the pocket, more willing to make quick reads, and better at protecting himself. While his raw numbers weren’t eye-popping, they reflected growth—and raised eyebrows around the league.
A New Regime, A Calculated Evaluation
The hiring of Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon in early 2023 represented a sea change for the franchise. Ossenfort, formerly of the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans, brought a disciplined, long-term vision. Gannon, a defensive-minded coach with an intense, detail-oriented approach, was tasked with changing the culture.
When they inherited Murray, both were careful not to make grand proclamations. Ossenfort called Murray a “special talent,” while Gannon said the team would “build around the strengths of the roster.” But there was no ironclad commitment. Instead, the regime has played the long game—developing a strong core through the draft, bolstering the trenches, and maintaining flexibility.
Now, with the Cardinals having passed on drafting a quarterback in 2025 despite holding a top-five pick, some see that as a vote of confidence in Murray. Others believe it’s simply a strategic pause—waiting for either a breakout 2025 campaign or the opportunity to move on in 2026.
The Contract Complication
In 2022, the Cardinals extended Kyler Murray on a five-year, $230.5 million contract with $160 million guaranteed. At the time, it was seen as a necessary commitment to a young quarterback still brimming with potential.
Now, the deal is more of a dilemma.
While Murray’s 2025 cap hit of roughly $51 million is high, it’s manageable for a quarterback. However, starting in 2026, the contract balloons. If the Cardinals wanted to move on after this season, the dead cap implications are still steep—though less punitive than in previous years.
But cap concerns are secondary to performance. If Murray plays like a top-10 quarterback, the money will be viewed as reasonable. If he regresses or fails to elevate the team, the contract becomes an anchor, limiting Arizona’s flexibility for years.
Offseason Strategy: Clarity or Confusion?
The 2025 offseason provided clues but no clear answers.
On one hand, the Cardinals passed on high-profile quarterback prospects like Carson Beck and Shedeur Sanders in the draft, instead selecting offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu with their top pick—solidifying protection for Murray. They added explosive wide receiver Troy Franklin and dynamic tight end Cade Stover, giving Murray more weapons to work with.
On the other hand, Arizona structured its roster to be quarterback-friendly no matter who’s under center. They signed veteran backup Sam Darnold and drafted developmental quarterback K.J. Jefferson late in the draft, a move that could signal an eye toward the future.
The front office appears to be giving Murray the 2025 season as an extended audition—with the tools to succeed and the expectation to prove he’s worth building around.
The Leadership Question
Another dimension to the Kyler Murray saga is leadership. Throughout his tenure, questions have lingered about his maturity, preparation habits, and sideline demeanor.
In 2022, the infamous “independent study clause” in his contract—later removed—sparked a national debate about work ethic. Former teammates have offered mixed reviews, with some praising his competitiveness and others hinting at aloofness.
Since returning from injury, however, Murray has projected a more grounded persona. He has been more visible in team activities, vocal in practices, and emotionally invested during games. The Cardinals’ locker room, under Gannon’s command, has responded positively.
Still, leadership is about more than optics—it’s about results, accountability, and consistent elevation of teammates. Murray has the chance to author a redemption arc in 2025, but it must extend beyond highlight reels to winning football.
Is Murray the Franchise Guy? The 2025 Litmus Test
Ultimately, the Cardinals’ future hinges on Kyler Murray’s 2025 campaign. If he returns to Pro Bowl form and guides Arizona to contention—especially in a brutally competitive NFC West—then the team will likely go all in on building around him.
If, however, Murray is inconsistent, suffers more injuries, or fails to lead the team to progress, Arizona may pivot in 2026. With a strong quarterback class expected next year and the ability to move on from Murray with a more manageable cap hit, the options will be on the table.
It’s a make-or-break year—one that will define not only Murray’s legacy in Arizona but also shape the Cardinals’ next decade.
