Kyler Murray’s Future: Is This the End of an Era with the Arizona Cardinals?
The Arizona Cardinals’ 2025 season concluded not with a bang, but with a whimper, falling far short of expectations. As the franchise navigates a tumultuous offseason, all eyes are on the pivotal quarterback position. After seven seasons, the question looms large: Has Kyler Murray played his last snap as a Cardinal? The writing on the wall suggests a significant shift is imminent for the team and its former No. 1 overall pick.
The Weight of Expectations and Unfulfilled Promise
When the Arizona Cardinals drafted Kyler Murray first overall, the hope was he would be the transcendent talent to lead them to consistent success. Early in his career, Murray delivered flashes of that brilliance, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and two Pro Bowl selections. His highlight-reel plays, showcasing a unique blend of arm talent and electrifying athleticism, often left fans and analysts in awe. However, these impressive individual accolades, largely from his early tenure, haven’t translated into sustained team success. With a career record of 38-48-1 as a starter, the promise of a “franchise signal-caller” has largely gone unfulfilled.
While some blame can be attributed to instability within the organization, even the most talented quarterbacks need a supportive structure. Yet, Murray isn’t entirely absolved. His incredible talent is undeniable, but consistency and durability have been recurring concerns, contributing to the team’s inability to break through in the highly competitive NFL landscape.
A Season Defined by Injury and Shifting Dynamics
The 2025 season was supposed to be a rebound year for Kyler Murray, especially after missing time due to a torn ACL. Instead, it became the final nail in the coffin of his Cardinals tenure. After a sputtering 2-3 start, where he amassed 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, along with 173 rushing yards and a score, Murray’s season was abruptly cut short by a midfoot sprain. This latest injury added another chapter to a career increasingly defined by time on the sidelines, further clouding his long-term prospects in Arizona.
The Unexpected Rise of Jacoby Brissett and a New Offensive Blueprint
Perhaps the most telling development in Murray’s absence was the play of backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett. While offensive coordinator Drew Petzing maintained there were no “wholesale changes” to the scheme, the tape tells a different story. With Brissett under center, the Cardinals’ offense showed a noticeable shift: more snaps under center and an increase in play-action concepts. Brissett’s skillset, favoring pocket presence and letting plays develop, seemed to align more seamlessly with Petzing’s offensive philosophy. This change, subtle yet significant, offered a glimpse into a potential future without Murray’s scramble-first tendencies.
For more insights on NFL offensive strategies and coaching, you can visit NFL.com’s Coaching section.
Emerging Stars Shine Brighter Under Brissett
The transition at quarterback also coincided with career-best performances from key offensive weapons. Tight end Trey McBride exploded, logging an astonishing 10 touchdowns during the 2025 season under Brissett, compared to just six combined in his previous three years. McBride, just shy of a 1,000-yard season, clearly found a potent connection with Brissett. Similarly, wide receiver Michael Wilson thrived. After a modest 52 yards in his first five games with Murray, Wilson finished the season with 907 yards, six touchdowns, and 73 catches, shattering his previous career highs. These developments strongly suggest that a different quarterback dynamic unlocked greater potential in the supporting cast.
Track Trey McBride’s impressive stats on NFL.com and Michael Wilson’s breakout season on NFL.com.
The Inevitable Split: A Must-Do Offseason Move
Considering the accumulating factors—seven seasons, a disappointing win-loss record, persistent injury concerns, and the apparent synergy developed with a different quarterback—it’s incredibly difficult to envision Kyler Murray returning as the Arizona Cardinals’ starter in 2026. A split, while potentially involving significant dead cap money, appears to be the most beneficial path for both parties. The Cardinals are clearly in a rebuilding phase, as evidenced by recent coaching changes, and a clean slate at quarterback might be necessary to truly reset the franchise’s trajectory. For Murray, a fresh start elsewhere could reignite his career and allow him to thrive in a system better suited to his unique talents.
What’s Next for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals?
The upcoming NFL offseason promises to be a pivotal one for the Arizona Cardinals. The decision regarding Kyler Murray’s future will undoubtedly be the most scrutinized. While his raw talent is undeniable, the business of the NFL often demands results and consistency over potential. All signs point to the Cardinals moving on, allowing new leadership to chart a different course. The era of Kyler Murray in Arizona, once filled with such high hopes, seems poised to conclude, making way for a new chapter for both the player and the franchise.
