Kyler Murray's Future with Cardinals Under Scrutiny

Under the direction of general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Arizona Cardinals are heading toward their third consecutive losing season, prompting necessary action from the team's leadership.

Recently, journeyman Jacoby Brissett was named the starting quarterback, relegating the franchise's highly paid face, Kyler Murray, to the sidelines as he recovers from injury. While the organization suggests that Murray could return from injured reserve in a few weeks, the prevailing sentiment is that the Kyler Murray era in Arizona is nearing its end.

Fans who are eager to see Murray leave should consider the potential consequences of such a move. The backlash against Murray has intensified in recent years, primarily due to the team's lack of playoff successes since 2015, though the report notes that while Murray bears some responsibility, he has not been the primary issue affecting the team.

His performance, particularly during his four seasons under head coach Kliff Kingsbury, included an impressive 11-6 season in 2021, which was marred by injuries to key players. Under this new regime, the Murray-led offense still performed decently, finishing ninth in the league in offensive Expected Points Added during his eight starts in 2023.

In contrast, the defense has consistently struggled, ranking among the worst in the league. Despite a shaky start to the current season, the Cardinals could have relied on Murray’s return for a potential playoff push.

However, Brissett's recent dismal performance, especially a 44-22 loss to Seattle, has raised questions about the team's direction. Notably, advanced metrics show that both Brissett and Murray are similar in terms of production, with Murray historically outperforming Brissett.

As both sides seem poised to part ways, the Cardinals face a dilemma. Brissett is under contract for next season at a manageable salary, but he's not seen as a championship-caliber quarterback. The Cardinals, who have been in a rebuilding phase, may need to consider using multiple draft picks to move up for a promising quarterback prospect, especially with the current draft positioning.

If they choose to continue with Brissett, they risk stagnation, as he does not possess the elite pedigree of former quarterbacks like Kurt Warner and Carson Palmer. Meanwhile, a potential breakup with Murray might allow him to thrive elsewhere, following the trend of other quarterbacks finding success after leaving their original teams.

However, this scenario could further entrench the Cardinals in mediocrity, as the organization has historically failed to support its quarterbacks with a strong defense. Ultimately, the future remains uncertain for both Murray and the Cardinals, and the outcome of this situation could lead to significant changes in the team's leadership as well.