Is the old Kyler Murray too far gone for the Cardinals playoff push in 2025?

Before stepping on an NFL field, Murray was undeniably one of the greatest athletes in his era. However, since taking the mantle of the Cardinals starting quarterback, he has had a fall from grace.

Murray started his career as a two-time Pro Bowler but has failed to make it the following three years, as he has battled injuries like a torn ACL in 2022. The 27-year-old has a career record of 36-45-1, has zero playoff wins and has never had a 4,000 passing season. Is there still time for Murray with the Cardinals to live up to his high school and college hype?

What’s next for Kyler Murray?

While high school Murray was untouchable, his NFL counterpart has been anything but that, with his constant ridicule from fans and media members. The sixth-year Cardinals quarterback has had his passion for the game consistently questioned with famously a clause in his contract that he couldn’t play video games while watching film.

However, Murray has silenced those doubters for the most part with him rehabbing back from his ACL tear. He returned less than a year later to a 1-8 Arizona team and dragged the team to finished 3-5 in the second half of the 2023 season.

Carrying the momentum from his successful return and second half of the season, Murray and the Cardinals had a sensational 2024 season. The team doubled its win total from the past two seasons, from four to eight wins, and Murray had the most passing yards (3,851) since 2020 and total touchdowns (26) since 2021. He appeared in every single game, which was the first time since his sophomore season that he achieved that mark.

For the first time in a while, Murray has momentum heading into next season. Arizona’s defense is projected to be the most talented in defense in Murray’s tenure and lifts much of the responsibilities off his shoulders.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon has spoke during training camp about how Murray has stepped up as a vocal leader, with many of his teammates looking towards him for guidance. After being one of the most hyped prospects in decades, the humility of the injuries and lack of success has seemingly grown Murray’s character and leadership with the Cardinals.

After tearing his ACL, Murray has been given a second chance to lead an NFL franchise and is poised to make some noise next season. Arizona’s offensive weapons of James Conner, Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. is the most talented assortment of weapons for Murray in years.

The lack of playoff success has bothered Murray, but that will only motivate him heading into 2025 to secured the Cardinals first playoff win in over a decade. While high school Kyler Murray is likely gone, the newer version might be exactly what the franchise needs for the future.