Cardinals, Kyler Murray Excited for Fresh Start Together

2024 could be a big year for the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray. 

After successfully rejoining the team after making a recovery from ACL surgery, Murray was forced to learn on the fly with a completely new offense - under a new coaching staff - with a far less talented roster than the previous year afforded him. 

The numbers Murray finished with weren't gaudy - though it would have been difficult to expect otherwise given the circumstances of his return. 

Arizona very much campaigned for Murray to be their franchise passer even before he touched the grass at State Farm Stadium, and when Murray played well enough to officially move forward with him at the helm, all bets of the former No. 1 pick moving elsewhere were settled. 

The Ringer's Danny Heifetz on Murray sticking in Arizona:

"Kyler Murray looked like himself again after returning in the middle of last season from the torn ACL he suffered in late 2022. He rejoined a Cardinals team that had worked on itself after a lot of personal drama. Former head coach Kliff Kingsbury got his one-way ticket to Thailand and was replaced by Jonathan Gannon, and longtime Cardinals GM Steve Keim was replaced by Pats front office man Monti Ossenfort.

"The franchise received the second-worst grade in last year’s NFL Players Association survey, in which players rated team facilities, coaches, and overall quality of life. Cardinals players revealed, among other issues, that Arizona was the only team that made players pay for their own dinners. The changes before last season didn’t lead to a ton of Cardinals wins, but the vibes out of Arizona were infinitely better, and they essentially provided a fresh start for this formerly messy quarterback relationship.

"Arizona has the fourth pick, and if the Cardinals wanted to move Murray and get a quarterback, they could, but it doesn’t seem like anyone in Arizona is interested in breaking up. Doubling down and using the fourth pick on a receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. will lock the Cardinals into this relationship."

Despite Arizona finishing with a 4-13 record, there's plenty of hope and optimism surrounding the team.

Take it from Murray himself. 

"In a sense there is a lot to look forward to," Murray said at the end of the regular season. 

"I'm excited about it. I know the guys are excited about it and trust and believe in Monti and J.G. and what they got going and what they're building here. I'm happy, man. I'm happy in the position that we're in. I look forward to going [into] next season."

For as much negative that's been covered in regards to the Cardinals - and Murray - it sure seems like the tide could shift in their favor moving forward. Murray himself will have a full offseason to work under the offensive mind of OC Drew Petzing while the Cardinals have cap space and draft picks aplenty to improve the roster. 

"He’s a big-time leader of this team. I won’t tell you all the conversations we have, but he knows he’s the closest thing to me out there, so I want him to operate in a certain way. He went above my expectation for what that looks like. I think he’s only continued to get better," said Gannon at his end of season press conference on Murray.

"We’ve got to get better together, and he will. Whoever’s ever back here in 2024, they understand what’s expected and how we operate. If they’re back here, myself, Monti and the coaching staff feel really comfortable about their roles—whatever they might be. I always say the price of admission is team and then you, and if they’re back here in 24 they have that.”

Murray indeed has it despite previous narratives suggesting his immaturity. He's not Patrick Mahomes - nor has he won a playoff game for the Cardinals since arriving. His massive contract extension kicks in this season, and there's certainly expectations he'll make good on his price tag sooner than later. 

"We just need a little time on task. That was my whole point to you guys about it’s going to take a little time. I know he kind of poo-pooed on that after he lit it up against Atlanta, but I really think the sky’s the limit. I think that he can hit another level. I know our team can. I know the offense can," said Gannon. 

"... but with that guy playing quarterback for us, I know we can win every game.”