No one on the Arizona Cardinals is more polarizing to the fanbase than Kyler Murray. Fans either love him or they want to see him in another uniform.
The Arizona Cardinals need to add a starting-caliber quarterback for the 2023 season, because an ACL tear in December indicates quarterback Kyler Murray may not be ready when the regular season opens next September. While the injury provides Murray with an opportunity to return to the playing field in record time, the Redbirds also need to prepare for the possibility he won’t be available by the season opener.
As it stands, the quarterbacks on the roster and practice squad are Colt McCoy, Trace McSorley, and Carson Strong. While the Cardinals could find unlikely heroes in either McSorley or Strong, odds are, they are going to need to look for a quarterback with starting potential. One who, if the Cards decide to keep the ship intact and not opt for a full-on rebuild, is capable of leading a team to contention.
The Arizona Cardinals need a starting-caliber quarterback in 2023
One name that comes to mind is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Yes, Garoppolo saw his season most likely end and he is injury-prone. I get it. But Garoppolo is also good at managing the game, and he can maximize his performances with the talent around him. Assuming DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown return, the longtime 49er has a chance to make something happen in the desert.
Hear me out on this next one, but why not Baker Mayfield? The former Cleveland Brown is one of the league’s better quarterbacks if he has a strong running game. He is also dangerous on play action, as he averaged 9.0 yards per pass or more between 2019 and 2021.
Of course, if Kliff Kingsbury is still in the driver’s seat, he would need to revamp his offense to fit Mayfield’s strengths. But nonetheless, the quarterback has enjoyed success in this league.
Taylor Heinicke is another name I like. While the Washington Commanders may try to hold onto Heinicke given his remarkable 5-1-1 record this season, there is also a sound possibility he tests the free agent market. Heinicke doesn’t have the greatest statistics or the best career record, but he has shown enough to prove he can win in this league.
(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)
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