The three hottest seats on the Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have seven winning seasons since the Bidwill family moved the team from St. Louis to Arizona after the 1987 season. Last year wasn’t one of them. If things don’t go better for the Cardinals in 2023, these guys could feel the heat.
1. Owner Michael Bidwill
Michael’s father, the late Bill Bidwill, was notoriously cheap, but fans hoped things would change when his son took over as principal owner three years ago. They have not.
According to a recent report from the NFLPA regarding work conditions and team facilities, Arizona has the second-worst amenities in the league. Only the Cardinals charge their players for dinners, and despite renovations in 2015, the weight room floors allegedly remain uneven and unsafe.
News like this will make it hard to attract free agents. If Bidwill can’t improve the fortunes of his $3.27 billion franchise, he’ll have problems finding fans, too.
2. Quarterback Kyler Murray
To his credit, Bidwill signed the former Heisman winner to a five-year, $230.5 million contract in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. But Murray disappointed in 2022 and suffered a torn ACL in Week 14, sidelining him for the rest of the season. He could miss a big chunk of the 2023 season.
Less than half of Murray’s money is guaranteed. If things don’t go well under new head coach Jonathan Gannon, the team can save more than $32 million against the cap if they release Murray in 2025.
In other words, Murray must get healthy, play well and then play nice with his new head coach. If he doesn’t, Murray’s days in the desert might be numbered.
3. Head coach Jonathan Gannon
Before an influx of talent that included James Bradberry, Ndamukong Suh and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in 2022, Gannon’s defense in Philadelphia was just average.
In 2021, the Eagles gave up nearly 108 yards rushing per game and their 29 sacks were second fewest in the league. The 2022 season was obviously better, but Gannon’s performance in the Super Bowl upset fans and players alike. Gardner-Johnson criticized his former coach on social media.
Despite the Super Bowl criticism, Gannon got a five-year deal to get the Cardinals on track. But there's not guarantee those years will be comfortable for Gannon if the team doesn't show improvement.
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