Heading into the 2025 NFL season experts and fans of the Arizona Cardinals could be calling it a make-or-break year for quarterback Kyler Murray in Arizona.
The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner has not lived up to expectations so far after being the number one overall pick in the 2019 draft.
After earning a wild card berth, the Cardinals gave him a 5-year, $230.5 million contract extension in July 2022. To say the least, the former Oklahoma Sooner has not delivered the goods for Arizona. If Murray does not lead Arizona to a playoff berth this season there may be calls for a change under center in the desert.
Let’s break down why the Cardinals may switch after the upcoming season if Murray doesn’t live up to expectations.
Kyler’s Clock: Make-or-Break Year for Quarterback in Arizona?
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Lack of Playoff Success
The lack of playoff appearances and wins has been the theme of this team. You have to go back to the Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald era to see major success in the playoffs from this franchise. You could mention the Carson Palmer era but they only won one playoff game and were destroyed in the NFC Championship game against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.
As for Murray, Arizona has only made the playoffs once in six seasons during his time as the quarterback. In 2022, they were defeated in a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams 34-11 in the NFC Wildcard round.
Currently, the speedy quarterback has a 36-45-1 career record in 82 games played. The Cardinals have failed to win an NFC West division title under Murray’s leadership let alone compete for one.
Roster too Talented to Fail
The expectations heading into 2025 couldn’t be any higher for this new-look Cardinals franchise. Under year three of head coach Jonathon Gannon, a playoff appearance is expected with Murray under center.
The Cardinals doubled their win totals last season from the previous year and are expected to compete in a tough NFC West division.
Arizona had a fantastic draft, addressing needs on both sides of the ball. They also spent some money in free agency. They went out and signed Defensive End Josh Sweat, who is coming off a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles. They also signed Defensive Tackle Dalvin Tomlinson from the Cleveland Browns and drafted Defensive Tackle Walter Nolen from Ole Miss with their first-round pick.
On the offensive side, Murray will get to throw to receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. as heads into his sophomore season. Harrison showed flashes throughout last season but had games where you wondered if he was even on the field.
Don’t forget he also has a top-three tight end in the league with Trey McBride, who signed a 4-year $76 million extension in the offseason.
The Cardinals still have one of the best running backs in James Connor, who is still going strong heading into his ninth season. After strengthening the offensive line through free agency and the draft, there is less leeway for Murray, who has a plethora of weapons at his disposal.
Opportunity is There for the Taking
The team in the desert is the 27th out of 32 teams in terms of strength of schedule, which is based on opponents’ win percentage in 2024.
The opportunity for Murray and the Cardinals is there for the taking. Many wonder if the Los Angeles Rams are still contenders, having one or two good seasons left with Matthew Stafford at quarterback. As for the Seattle Seahawks, many questions loom for newly acquired quarterback Sam Darnold. Is he a number one option or was it the system he was in with the Minnesota Vikings last season? The San Francisco 49ers also signed quarterback Brock Purdy to a max contract worth five years $265 million in the off-season. As a result, the 49ers have had to let key players go to pay Purdy, which could open the door for Arizona to win their first NFC West title since 2015.
This Cardinals team has only improved in their first two seasons under head coach Gannon. Now the question is, can Murray take this team to the next level? Any team competing for the postseason must have consistent quarterback play throughout the year.
The team’s offensive continuity, combined with the upgrades on defense, will give the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback the best opportunity to compete and possibly make a playoff run. If he cannot deliver in 2025, will the Cardinals explore other options behind center?
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
