Cardinals' Kyler Murray reacts to controversial quarterback tier list position

Although the graphic doesn't convey this clearly, Brinson's list is not based on quarterback rankings heading into the 2023 season. Instead, it reflects how he expects each signal-caller to perform, which Brinson explained in his article about the list. Since Murray's timetable for his return from the torn ACL that he suffered last December remains uncertain, the analyst chose to group him with unproven passers.

"Kyler could go anywhere on this list and could also be his own tier because I couldn't possibly begin to guess how MUCH he plays in 2023, much less how WELL he plays this coming season," Brinson wrote. "The Cards might very well sit on him knowing they want to move on next year after a full-fledged tank sesh."

Considering Brinson's reasoning, Murray's placement makes a little more sense than the out-of-context tweet that went viral. Even so, regardless of whether the former Heisman Trophy winner misses a substantial amount of time this season, he should still be listed ahead of his inferior tier-six counterparts.

Putting Mayfield, a player on his fourth team as he enters his sixth season, aside, Love, Ridder and Howell have combined for six career starts and six touchdowns. On the other hand, Murray is 10th among quarterbacks in total yards (16,059) and touchdowns (107) since entering the league. 

If Murray returns to the field earlier than expected and guides Arizona past its projected 4.5-win total, perhaps he'll secure a top 15 ranking in Brinson's 2024 tier list.