Why is Kyler Murray not playing
Why is Kyler Murray not playing – The future of Kyler Murray, the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, has been a hot topic in the NFL community. After tearing his ACL in Week 14 of the previous year, Murray is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which means he will miss at least the first four games of the upcoming season. There are growing concerns about what lies ahead for Murray and the Cardinals, given their recent roster changes and new coaching staff.
The New Cardinals Leadership
The Arizona Cardinals have undergone significant changes in their leadership. They now have Jonathan Gannon as their head coach and Monti Ossenfort as their general manager. These changes have led to a sense of uncertainty regarding the team’s future direction.
Notable Roster Moves
The Cardinals have made some noteworthy roster moves recently. They parted ways with star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, linebacker Isaiah Simmons, and quarterback Colt McCoy. These moves indicate a willingness to make tough decisions and possibly rebuild the team.
Speculation About Drafting a New Quarterback
With the Cardinals projected to be among the weakest teams in the league and the Houston Texans owing them a 2024 first-round draft pick, rumors have been circulating that the Cardinals might consider drafting a new quarterback in the upcoming draft. This speculation adds to the uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray’s future in Arizona.
Insights from Former NFL GM Michael Lombardi
Former NFL GM and VP Michael Lombardi shared his perspective on the situation during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show. Lombardi believes that the Cardinals may choose not to play Kyler Murray for the rest of the season to protect his trade value. He explained that Murray’s contract, like most NFL contracts, includes a guarantee for injury but not for skill. This means that if Murray gets injured while playing, the Cardinals would be on the hook for a substantial amount of money.
Murray Contract Situation
Kyler Murray has a lucrative contract, with $56 million guaranteed and the potential to earn up to $92 million, all of which is protected by the injury guarantee clause. This clause means that if Murray were to get injured and unable to play, the Cardinals would still need to pay him the guaranteed amount. Lombardi argues that placing Murray on the PUP list ensures that he won’t play for the rest of the year, reducing the risk of injury and the financial burden on the Cardinals.
Preserving the Team’s Financial Flexibility
Lombardi’s perspective is that the Cardinals’ leadership, specifically Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon, should be cautious about putting Murray back on the field this season. They might not want to fully guarantee Murray’s contract if they are uncertain about his future with the team. By keeping Murray off the field, the Cardinals have the opportunity to assess his situation more thoroughly.
Trade Possibility
Lombardi also speculates that there might be interest from other teams in trading for Murray at the end of the season. If Murray doesn’t play this year, teams in need of a quarterback may be more willing to take on his contract. Removing the amount the Cardinals have already paid him, Murray’s contract could be more manageable for another team, potentially making him an attractive option.
Changing Team Culture
Another factor Lombardi highlights is the Cardinals’ desire to change the team’s culture. They’ve made significant roster moves, indicating a shift in their approach. This change might involve parting ways with key players, including Murray, if they believe it’s in the team’s best interest.
Conclusion
In summary, Kyler Murray’s future with the Arizona Cardinals is uncertain due to his injury, recent roster changes, and the team’s desire to potentially change its culture. Former NFL GM Michael Lombardi suggests that the Cardinals might opt not to play Murray for the rest of the season to protect their financial interests and evaluate his trade value. This situation adds an intriguing layer of uncertainty to the Cardinals’ upcoming season and could potentially lead to significant changes for both Murray and the team.
What happened to Kyler Murray?
Kyler Murray is still dealing with a tough injury – he tore his ACL and meniscus in Week 14 of the last football season. Right now, we’re not entirely sure when he’ll be back on the field.
Why did Kyler Murray sit out?
Kyler Murray had to take a break from playing because of his injury. After the Cardinals finished their preseason games, they put him on something called the PUP list. This means he has to sit out for at least the first four weeks of the season. It’s all to give him more time to heal.
Is Kyler Murray’s injury serious?
Yes, Kyler Murray’s injury is quite serious. When the Arizona Cardinals finished their training camp, they decided to keep him on the PUP list. This means he’ll miss the first four games of the season because he’s still recovering from this significant injury he got toward the end of the 2022 season.
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