What Are the Arizona Cardinals Doing? Trying to Decode Their Moves in the Kyler Murray Era

The Arizona Cardinals have been one of the NFL’s most perplexing teams over the past few seasons. From moments of brilliance to stretches of mediocrity, the franchise has struggled to find consistency despite having a roster headlined by young talent and star quarterback Kyler Murray. Recent decisions by the organization, ranging from roster moves to coaching changes, have left fans and analysts scratching their heads, wondering: What exactly is Arizona trying to accomplish?

Let’s dive into the Cardinals’ current state, the Kyler Murray conundrum, and what their long-term strategy might be—if there is one.

The Kyler Murray Dilemma

Kyler Murray, the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was supposed to be the face of the franchise. His unique blend of arm talent and elite athleticism turned heads early in his career, earning him accolades like Offensive Rookie of the Year and multiple Pro Bowl selections.

However, questions have emerged about whether Murray can truly be the cornerstone of a Super Bowl-caliber team. While his highlight-reel plays and undeniable talent are captivating, his consistency, durability, and leadership have been scrutinized. The criticism reached a peak after the Cardinals’ disappointing finish to the 2021 season and a disastrous 2022 campaign, during which Murray suffered a torn ACL, ending his season prematurely.

Compounding matters is the massive contract extension Murray signed in 2022—a five-year, $230.5 million deal with $160 million guaranteed. The investment cemented him as the team’s franchise player but has also limited Arizona’s flexibility to build around him. Critics argue that the contract, combined with Murray’s struggles and injury concerns, could hinder the team’s ability to compete long-term.

The Coaching Carousel

The Cardinals’ decision to fire head coach Kliff Kingsbury after the 2022 season marked another chapter in their instability. Kingsbury, who was hired in 2019 to develop Murray and implement a high-octane offense, initially showed promise. However, his teams consistently faltered in the second half of seasons, raising questions about his ability to lead an NFL team.

In 2023, the Cardinals hired Jonathan Gannon, the former defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, as their new head coach. While Gannon brings a defensive mindset to a team that desperately needs improvement on that side of the ball, his inexperience as a head coach raises concerns. Can Gannon fix a team plagued by roster holes and inconsistent play, especially while navigating a critical phase in Murray’s career?

The Roster Woes

The Cardinals’ roster construction—or lack thereof—has been a glaring issue. While the team boasts talented players like safety Budda Baker, wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, and tight end Zach Ertz, the overall depth and quality have been underwhelming.

Key Issues Include:

Offensive Line: Murray’s mobility has often masked the offensive line’s deficiencies, but his ACL injury exposed just how vulnerable the unit is. Without significant upgrades, protecting their franchise quarterback will remain a challenge.
Defensive Struggles: Arizona’s defense has been among the league’s worst in recent years, consistently failing to stop the run or generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Lack of Stability at Key Positions: Aside from Murray, many of the team’s “stars” have dealt with injuries or inconsistent play, making it difficult for the Cardinals to establish an identity.

The departure of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in 2023 also left a massive void in the offense. While Hollywood Brown has shown flashes, he hasn’t proven capable of being a true WR1, leaving questions about who Murray can rely on in critical moments.

The Tanking Speculation

Given the team’s struggles, some have speculated that the Cardinals might be quietly entering a rebuild—or even tanking for a high draft pick. With two first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including the possibility of securing the first overall selection thanks to the Houston Texans trade, Arizona has significant draft capital to reshape their future.

If the Cardinals land the No. 1 pick, they’ll face a monumental decision:

Stick with Kyler Murray: Reaffirm their commitment to Murray as the franchise QB and use the top pick to bolster the roster.
Draft a Quarterback: Move on from Murray and select a top-tier QB prospect like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. This would mark a complete restart for the franchise but could open a new chapter with a fresh face of the team.

Confusion Among Fans and Analysts

The lack of a clear direction from the Cardinals’ front office has fueled frustration and speculation. Are they trying to rebuild? Are they still attempting to contend in a competitive NFC West? The mixed signals are hard to ignore.

Some moves, like trading for Hollywood Brown, suggest a “win-now” mindset, while others, like cutting ties with Hopkins and prioritizing draft picks, indicate a rebuild. This indecision could hinder their ability to progress in either direction.

What Needs to Happen Next

For the Cardinals to regain relevance and direction, they need to:

Clarify Their Strategy: The front office and coaching staff must align on whether they’re rebuilding or retooling around Murray.
Improve the Trenches: Investing in both the offensive and defensive lines is critical to competing in today’s NFL.
Develop Kyler Murray: If Murray is the answer, the team must surround him with the coaching and talent needed to maximize his potential.
Capitalize on Draft Capital: With high-value picks in 2024, the Cardinals have a golden opportunity to add impact players who can change the trajectory of the franchise.

Conclusion

The Arizona Cardinals are at a crossroads. Kyler Murray remains a polarizing figure, and the franchise’s decisions have only added to the confusion about their long-term vision. With significant draft capital and a new head coach, the team has the tools to right the ship. However, the clock is ticking, and the rest of the league won’t wait for the Cardinals to figure things out.

Whether they rebuild from the ground up or double down on Murray, Arizona must commit to a direction. Until then, fans and analysts alike will continue asking: What are the Arizona Cardinals doing?