Arizona Cardinals: What does the latest Kyler Murray update mean?

Multiple reports have surfaced that Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray may not be ready for Week 1 of the 2023 season after all. 

Outlets like ESPN have reported that Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury stated quarterback Kyler Murray may not be ready to go when the Redbirds take the field in September. Clearly, Kingsbury is still making moves as though he will remain the team’s head coach in 2023, as he cited Murray’s status as a reason he also decided to keep backup Colt McCoy out for the Cardinals Week 18 matchup.

Assuming Kingsbury won’t return following the 2022 season, as has been a near-consensus lately, what does this mean for the Cardinals going forward? McCoy will be 37, and may not even return to the desert.

Then you got Trace McSorley, who played like the fringe backup that he is in one career start. David Blough stepped in and looked serviceable, but what if Murray misses a significant amount of time in 2023? Blough probably isn’t the guy you want starting multiple games in a row.

Arizona Cardinals must sign a capable backup for 2023

A few weeks back, I made the case for signing Jimmy Garoppolo, despite his own injury. This is, of course, assuming Garoppolo does not re-sign with the San Francisco 49ers. Garoppolo, who will be ready for 2023, may want to go somewhere that won’t see a quarterback controversy, so Arizona is a highly unlikely destination.

Taylor Heinicke could be another one to go with if he doesn’t re-sign with the Washington Commanders. Heinicke has proven to be more than serviceable during his time in Washington, and is a high-end backup in this league capable of leading a team for an extended time. If he signs, there will be no controversy, as Murray will retake the starting job once cleared to play.

Sam Darnold could be another name to look at. While he could re-sign with the Carolina Panthers, odds are any new coach not named Steve Wilks may want to roll with their own guy. And that will lead to Darnold testing the free agent market. While Darnold could bring a controversy, he would also need to play a consistent game for the Cardinals to consider keeping him under center should such a scenario develop.

Overall, the Arizona Cardinals need to have a backup plan in place. Preferably one where they bring in a quarterback capable of leading the offense for at least a few weeks if Murray is not ready to go.

Article Source: Kingsbury: Murray ‘probably’ won’t be back to open next season by Josh Weinfuss

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