According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list. This means that he will be sidelined for the 2025 season.
Sean Murphy-Bunting placed on Cardinals reserve/non-football injury list
Last offseason, Sean Murphy-Bunting signed a three-year, $25.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. He was set to be the Cardinals starting cornerback and a key piece of their defense. Unfortunately, things have not gone as expected in Murphy-Bunting's time in Arizona.
While he did show some quality flashes, Murphy-Bunting was largely unable to live up to expectations during his first season with the Cardinals. Despite his team-leading three interceptions, he received a PFF coverage grade of just 53.1.
Now, his potential bounceback season has been ended months in advance.
While details of the injury are not currently available, Sean Murphy-Bunting has struggled to stay healthy during his time with the Cardinals. Just last season, he dealt with injuries to his neck, hand, and toe. He's also had hip, thumb, quadriceps, and hamstring injuries during his career.
This injury news is devastating for the Arizona Cardinals. Whether he was set to start again or not, Murphy-Bunting was expected to play a significant role in the Cardinals' defense.
If nothing else, Murphy-Bunting provided a much-needed veteran presence in the cornerback group. Arizona's cornerback room is now led by Will Johnson, Garrett Williams, Max Melton, and Starling Thomas IV. None of those players are over 25 years of age.
Without Sean Murphy-Bunting to provide a stable veteran presence, Arizona's young cornerbacks will need to step up. This injury news makes the health of Will Johnson even more important, as he will be relied upon as a full-time starter.
Hopefully, the Arizona Cardinals' other moves on defense are enough to offset this devastating turn of events.