The 2025 NFL season may still be months away, but the offseason poses crucial questions about the future, particularly at the quarterback position, widely regarded as the heartbeat of any football team. Teams often pour significant resources—both draft picks and lucrative contracts—into finding their franchise quarterback. However, hunting for that elusive player who can not only dominate in the regular season but also shine when it matters most in the playoffs can be a daunting task.
As we look ahead, several veteran quarterbacks find themselves under scrutiny regarding their future as starters. Among them, Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, and Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins have all been subjects of discussion surrounding their job security moving into 2025, with predictions emphasizing potential shake-ups.
Kyler Murray’s journey has been nothing short of compelling. The former Heisman Trophy winner was a standout dual-sport athlete who ultimately zeroed in on football, leading to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Initially, he dazzled the league, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after throwing for 3,722 yards and 20 touchdowns while showcasing his dual-threat capability with a solid rushing performance.
He hit the ground running in his first three seasons, securing two Pro Bowl selections, averaging over 20 touchdown passes, and even taking the Cardinals to a Wild Card playoff game in 2021. However, the last few years have proven challenging for Murray, primarily due to health issues. After suffering a torn ACL during the 2022 season, he spent significant time on the sidelines, which hampered his chances to build on his promising start.
The 2023 campaign did not provide the bounce-back year he hoped for, as he returned to a team dealing with its own struggles and finished with a disappointing 6-13 record in his starts. These setbacks included display of lesser performance metrics, including two of the lowest quarterback ratings of his career, leaving questions about his trajectory as a franchise quarterback.
Fast forward to the recently concluded 2024 season, and while Murray returned to full health and started all 17 games, the Cardinals ultimately fell short of the playoffs with an 8-9 record. Despite the disappointing finish, he flashed signs of his previous potential, posting career-best numbers in completion percentage (68.8) and total quarterback rating (66.5). With 3,851 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and impressive rushing stats, including 572 yards and five scores, there were reasons for optimism among Cardinals fans.
Yet, Murray’s turnover issues remain a glaring concern. With 57 interceptions in just 82 games and 50 fumbles, he has struggled to protect the ball, averaging 12 interceptions per 17 games. This reality poses a challenge for a player making top-tier quarterback money. Moreover, his record of 36 wins against 45 losses, alongside a single playoff appearance that resulted in a lackluster performance, raises questions about his ability to lead a franchise in high-pressure situations.
Entering the offseason, it’s clear the Cardinals need to bolster their roster around Murray. The offense, which ranked 11th overall but featured one of the league’s less effective passing attacks, needs new weapons to offer him a chance to elevate his game. If he cannot guide his team to the postseason in 2025 or re-establish himself as a franchise cornerstone, the Arizona organization may face a difficult decision regarding the future of their once-promising quarterback. As we look toward next season, it’s a pivotal moment for Murray to prove he is the player the Cardinals envisioned when they made him their first overall selection.
