Steve Keim’s stint as the GM of the Arizona Cardinals could be over
By Jim Koch
A health condition has taken general manager Steve Keim away from the Arizona Cardinals for an unspecified amount of time.
The Arizona Cardinals hit rock-bottom this past Monday night when quarterback Kyler Murray tore his ACL during a 27-13 loss to the New England Patriots. On Wednesday, things got even worse for the snakebitten franchise.
In addition to the serious knee injury that has sidelined their starting signal-caller, the Cards will also be without general manager Steve Keim for an unspecified amount of time. In fact, the 50-year-old executive may not return to the team at all.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Keim has taken a leave of absence from the Cardinals due to an undisclosed health condition. When asked if Keim would be returning to the organization, Rapoport’s response indicated that he wasn’t so sure.
"“The future is certainly in doubt there. We’ll see. Up in the air, I would say. We’ll see when and if he ends up coming back”. – Ian Rapaport via Arizona Sports"
Keim has received a fair share of the blame for Arizona’s ugly 4-9 record this season. Injuries have taken a toll on the squad, but the problems with the Redbirds appear to run much deeper. Many fans have clamored for owner Michael Bidwill to fire both Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury, despite the fact that both men received contract-extensions earlier this year.
Steve Keim has experienced highs and lows as the Arizona Cardinals GM
The Cards have won just one playoff game since Keim became the GM back in 2013. Last January, Murray and company were thoroughly humiliated during a 34-11 postseason defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Any Cardinals followers who were hoping for a bounceback performance from Kingsbury’s group this fall have been completely disappointed.
For the time being at least, Keim’s duties will be handled by Quentin Harris and Adrian Wilson, a pair of his right-hand men in the Cards front office. Both Harris and Wilson have experience in the personnel department, and there’s a chance that either one could be named the permanent general manager if Keim doesn’t return.
With Keim away from the club, Bidwill could also explore the possibility of bringing in an individual from the outside who could get Arizona back on track. For example, someone like Sean Payton could be intrigued by an offer to be both the GM and the head coach of the Cardinals.
Related Story. New GM candidate has emerged for the Cardinals. light
Despite the criticism he has received over the past few years, Keim did a ton of good things during his stint with the Cards. We at Raisingzona.com wish Steve nothing but the best with both his health and his career going forward.
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