Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray seems determined to silence his critics ahead of a potential make-or-break year.

In a column posing one question about each NFL team, The Athletic’s Doug Haller shared that Murray appears to be taking things more seriously this offseason, which has impressed coaches and teammates.

“Concerns about Murray’s leadership and preparation have faded. Coaches and teammates rave about the quarterback’s commitment and drive,” wrote Haller. “He is healthy. His supporting cast is better. And he understands what it means to be the face of the franchise. The next step is the biggest.”

When Murray signed a five-year, $230.5M extension in 2022, the Cardinals included a clause requiring him to study for four hours each week. Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report noted that Arizona later rescinded the clause, but it damaged Murray’s reputation.

Along with questions about his dedication to football, doubts about Murray’s durability remain. The 26-year-old missed nine games last season after tearing his right ACL in December 2022.

Murray, however, made two Pro Bowls in his first three seasons and won 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Clearly, the Cardinals still believe he can fulfill the potential he flashed earlier in his career.
To upgrade their receiving corps, the Cardinals selected former Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. — a two-time first-team All-American — with the fourth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

“He’s been good at football his whole life,” Murray said of Harrison at mandatory minicamp, via Fox Sports’ Eric Williams. “He’s been groomed by one of the best, his pops [Marvin Harrison Sr.], obviously a Hall of Famer.”

Murray excelled while starring alongside five-time Pro Bowl wideout DeAndre Hopkins from 2020-22. Harrison could become a similar player, helping the QB rebound.