Arizona Cardinals might have kicking competiton

Lost in all the activity for the Arizona Cardinals last week was they signed a kicker to compete with Zane Gonzalez for the job

As far as it had seemed, kicker Zane Gonzalez had won the kicking job with the Arizona Cardinals after his strong finish to the 2018 season.  However about a week and a half ago, they signed another kicker.

Cole Murphy, a rookie out of Syracuse, was brought in.  Presumably he was brought in to compete for the kicking job in 2019.

Murphy just came from the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football.  He was recently released.

Even if it is believed Gonzalez wins the job, having competition in camp is good.  The Cardinals need to get the best out of him.  He hit three field goals of 50 yards plus against the Seattle Seahawks in the season finale last December.

Let’s not completely rule out Murphy however.  He is Syracuse’s all time leader in field goals now.  He also twice was semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award.  That is awarded to college football’s top kicker.

Gonzalez though looked comfortable with the Cardinals.  At least much more so than he did with the Cleveland Browns before he was released.  He struggled to start the season and was made the scape goat for early losses.

Granted his performance early in the 2018 season left a lot to be desired, he still showed he has a leg.  Now if he can consistently work out the accuracy part, the Cardinals may be good to go.

This will have to be a competition to watch though.  A few years ago, Chandler Cantanzaro went into training camp with no competition.  He ultimately found himself without work in Arizona as they let him leave as a free agent the following offseason.

So, give Murray a chance to surprise but hopefully the Cardinals are just trying to push Gonzalez.  no competition means possible complacency.  The Cardinals can’t afford to have a young kicker like Gonzalez get complacent.