Kyler Murray’s Future in Arizona Is Suddenly Uncertain

Kyler Murray’s Future in Arizona Is Suddenly Uncertain

For years, Kyler Murray was the face of the Arizona Cardinals, the dual-threat quarterback drafted No. 1 overall in 2019 after winning the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma. He was supposed to be the franchise savior, the spark to lead Arizona out of mediocrity and back into playoff relevance.

But six seasons later, the picture looks far more complicated. Murray has delivered flashes of brilliance with more than 19,000 passing yards, 115 touchdowns, and 3,000 rushing yards since entering the league, but injuries and inconsistency have kept Arizona stuck in neutral. His record as a starter sits at 38-48-1.

Now, as the 2025 season unfolds, the Cardinals are facing a crossroads.

Another Setback for Murray

Earlier this week, Reuters reported that Murray was placed on injured reserve with a mid-foot Lisfranc-type sprain, sidelining him for at least a month. It is the kind of injury that forces a franchise to take a hard look at its future, especially when the veteran backup takes the field.

A Rough Day in Seattle

That evaluation took a hit Sunday when Arizona fell 44-22 to the Seattle Seahawks. What started as a measuring-stick game quickly turned into a meltdown. The Seahawks jumped to a 35-0 lead by halftime, fueled by two defensive touchdowns from DeMarcus Lawrence on fumble recoveries, both coughed up by Jacoby Brissett.

Brissett finished 22 of 44 for 258 yards and two touchdowns but was sacked five times and struggled to find rhythm under constant pressure. His late-game stats helped the box score look better than the performance felt. The defeat dropped Arizona to 3-6 and raised new questions about what direction the team should take once Murray returns.

What Now for the Cardinals?

Through three previous starts, Brissett had been solid with 860 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception, leading an offense that looked steadier and more efficient than with Murray earlier in the year. But Sunday’s collapse was a reminder that steadiness only goes so far when the roster lacks protection, depth, and confidence.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed Brissett will remain the starter while Murray rehabs, but after the loss, that decision feels less about optimism and more about necessity.

The Cardinals now face three paths, and none are simple.

Option A: Trade Murray for Draft Capital
If Arizona believes Murray’s injury history outweighs his upside, the team could shop him this offseason. His contract and pedigree still hold league-wide value, and multiple teams could bite. Dealing him would free cap space and give Arizona flexibility in the 2026 draft, but it would also close the door on a player once viewed as their cornerstone.

Option B: Ride With Brissett
Brissett, 32, brings leadership and poise, but Sunday showed his ceiling. He can manage games and keep Arizona competitive, yet his limitations behind a shaky line make him a short-term fix. Staying the course might buy time for a rookie or bridge plan, but it will not ignite a rebuild.

Option C: One More Run With Murray
If fully healthy by 2026, Murray still offers the unique dual-threat spark that few quarterbacks possess. Arizona could reload around him, add protection, find new receivers, and give him one last prove-it season. But after another injury and a blowout exposing the team’s flaws, patience in the desert is wearing thin.

At 3-6 and trending down, the Cardinals’ offseason already looms large. Whether they cash in Murray for picks or double down on his recovery, the franchise’s identity feels more uncertain than ever.

One thing is clear: this is not just another losing season. It is a turning point.

Sources:
Reuters | NFL.com | StatMuse | AZCardinals.com