Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings QB Kyler Murray left a major hole for the Arizona Cardinals to fill under center. However, despite the talent that Murray has, the Cardinals appear confident that they can replace Murray with veteran Jacoby Brissett.
On April 7, Cardinals center Hjalte Froholdt stated that he has confidence in Brissett, despite Arizona deciding this offseason that it was time to cut ties with its former franchise QB.
“I’ve played with Jacoby in the past, too,” Froholdt told reporters (h/tBo Brack of PHNX Cardinals). “He’s a veteran. He knows his stuff. He stands in the pocket, he takes a hit, he plays for the boys. So I think that’s something you’ve got to tip your hat to him.
“He’s not just another backup. I think Jacoby has proven that he’s a really good quarterback in this league and he can get the job done. I’m excited to see what he’s going to do this year.”
Brissett played last season in place of Murray,whose 2025 NFL season was cut short because of a foot injury. Afterward, it was clear that the former No. 1 pick’s time in Arizona was over, and now his former team feels it can do better without him.
Meanwhile, Murray is with the Vikings to get his career back on track. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has played a role in Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones bouncing back, and now Murray wants to be the next QB to benefit from spending time with O’Connell.
Cardinals HC Doesn’t Hold Back on Kyler Murray’s Exit
On March 30, Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur spoke about Murray’s exit from Arizona, and while the team felt it was time to move on, there was no ill will toward the player.
“It’s one of those things that sometimes it’s just good for both parties to part ways, if you will,” LaFleur told reporters (h/tBo Brack of PHNX Cardinals).“So again, we wish him the best. He had a lot of success here.
“I know when I was on the other sideline, [Murray] was a problem. And again, wish him all the success, but we felt like this was the best thing moving forward.”
Minnesota hopes to have a Murray with a chip on his shoulder, showing he can live up to the potential that made him the No. 1 pick in 2019. Murray has shown flashes but hasn’t found that consistency.
Last season with the Cardinals,Murray posted a 72.2 overall PFF grade, along with a 69.5 passing grade. Across 962 snaps and 195 dropbacks, he totaled 962 passing yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
Moreover, he logged four big-time throws against three turnover-worthy plays, pointing to generally steady decisions, even under pressure.
Ben Leber Gets Blunt About Concerns Regarding Kyler Murray
Before any snapsare taken, Murrayis seen as the favorite for the starting job. However, former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber doesn’t see it that way, as he raised a few concerns.
“Kyler probably, in their mind, is on top of the depth chart, but as I look at it right now, I don’t think you can say that,”Leber said during an appearance on KFAN on March 23. “The guy has so many question marks. Kyler Murray, speaking of, has so many question marks about whether or not he can fit within this offense.
“There’s going to have to be a compromise from KOC in the plays he calls and the type of style he wants from his quarterback. There’s also going to have to be a measure of movement with Kyler Murray in what he can actually do in this offense. The amount of under-center plays that Kyler Murray has faced in his first seven years in Arizona is a fraction of what [O’Connell] wants.”