Can Cardinals Kyler Murray-Marvin Harrison Jr. connection take next step in 2025?

Graziano on what Cardinals need from Murray-Harrison connection:

“More is expected in Harrison’s second season, and the same can be said of Murray in his seventh. Arizona made almost no changes on offense this offseason after finishing ninth in offensive EPA in 2024. The Cardinals beefed up on defense, hoping that will be enough to make them contenders. But Murray and the offense have to take a step forward if that’s to happen, and a breakout for Harrison will help.”

Coaches and reports from around the Cardinals organization is about the muscles that Harrison has put on this offseason. The 22-year-old has had a considerable upgrade to his physique, so much so that Murray thought the photo of Harrison’s progress was AI.

Harrison’s muscle growth will help create separation at the line with his raw power. However, to generate more production, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will need to find more routes that enhance Harrison in the passing game. A majority of the rookie’s routes in 2024 were down the field and took a long time to develop. Adding in more short situation routes, like curls, cross and screens, could take Harrison’s production to the next level.

Murray is entering year seven under center and has no excuses of falling short of Pro Bowl expectations. The 27-year-old has had weapons like DeAndre Hopkins and “Hollywood” Brown to take the offense to the next level. In 2025, Murray arguably has his greatest set of weapons with Harrison and Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride that will help take the offense to new heights.

Arizona’s success next season fall on the shoulders of the QB-WR duo. The Cardinals haven’t made the playoffs since 2021 and haven’t won a postseason game in Murray’s career. Next year Murray and the franchise look to end that streak with the additions made on defense, while the development of Murray-Harrison’s chemistry lift them into contenders.