Cardinals’ Complex Decision: The Delicate Dance with Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves at a critical crossroads as they navigate the complex question of what to do with their star quarterback, Kyler Murray. Short-term and long-term decisions loom large on the horizon, as Murray makes his way back to practice following a season-ending torn ACL injury in December. The burning question that dominates the minds of fans and analysts alike is, “When will Kyler Murray return to action?”
Ian Rapoport, a prominent figure at NFL Media, has offered some insight into Murray’s potential return. According to Rapoport, Week 10 against the Falcons is the most probable return date for Murray. However, Week 9 against the Browns remains a possibility, albeit a more tentative one.
The Broader Picture
While Rapoport’s report provides a glimpse into Murray’s immediate future, it’s essential to acknowledge the broader situation that the Arizona Cardinals face. The franchise must decide whether to commit to Murray beyond the 2024 season, a decision that comes with substantial consequences. The Cardinals have undergone significant changes, welcoming a new General Manager and Head Coach, neither of whom drafted Murray nor negotiated his current contract.
Furthermore, the 2025 NFL Draft promises a treasure trove of quarterback prospects, tempting the Cardinals with the prospect of securing a top rookie quarterback. This is where the intricate dance begins.
The Height Factor
One cannot overlook the physical attributes of Kyler Murray, primarily his height. Standing at a modest height for an NFL quarterback, Murray’s stature has raised eyebrows. Some executives and coaches, given the choice, may prefer a taller quarterback to lead their offense, irrespective of Murray’s remarkable skill set.
Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon, key figures within the Cardinals’ hierarchy, may have personal preferences when it comes to their ideal quarterback’s height. However, they are unlikely to publicly broadcast their inclinations, adding to the mystique surrounding Murray’s future.
Former NFL executive Michael Lombardi even raised the possibility, before the season commenced, that Murray might not play at all in the current year. The rationale behind this cautious approach lies in the significant financial implications tied to Murray’s injury history. With millions of dollars in future injury guarantees that could become vested if Murray sustains another injury, a case can be made for keeping him protected until the season’s end.
The Trade Dilemma
On the flip side, if the Cardinals contemplate trading Murray, there is a compelling argument for him to take the field. Playing would allow other NFL teams to assess whether he still possesses the talent and prowess that made him a star in the first place. Perhaps, watching Murray in action may persuade the Cardinals to retain him, should he demonstrate his value and potential.
The possibility of Murray leading the Cardinals to victory in enough games could also influence their draft order position. It’s worth noting that the Cardinals made a substantial leap in the draft order to acquire Murray, trading away Josh Rosen. Should they hope to secure a similar transformative quarterback in the next draft, they must finish high in the order, making the timing of Murray’s return a pivotal factor.
In summary, the Arizona Cardinals face a perplexing and multifaceted decision regarding the future of Kyler Murray. His height, the new management, and the promise of the 2025 NFL Draft all add layers of complexity to the situation.
Conclusion
As the NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on Kyler Murray and the Cardinals, waiting to see how this delicate dance between team and quarterback plays out. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the franchise’s trajectory for years to come. The Arizona Cardinals find themselves at a crossroads, torn between the past and the future.