NFL analyst places Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray in a unique category and for good reason

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has experienced many ups and downs throughout his six year NFL career.

Some of the highs he has experienced include winning the 2019 Rookie of the Year Award, being named to the Pro Bowl twice (2020, 2021), and leading Arizona to the postseason in 2021.

On the flip side, Murray possesses a losing career record as a starter, lost his lone playoff appearance, and missed 15 games from 2022-2023 with a torn ACL. He played all 17 games in 2024, but the Cardinals missed the postseason with an 8-9 record.

NFL analyst Buck Brooks made a list of seven NFL enigmas, which he described as players that flash brilliance at times, but lack consistency. Here's what he had to say about Murray, who topped his list:

"The former No. 1 overall pick is a gifted playmaker with a pair of Pro Bowls and the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year award on his résumé. At times, Murray has played at a high level and captivated the football world as an electric dual-threat quarterback. However, the seventh-year pro sports a 36-45-1 career record and lacks a playoff win as the Cardinals' QB1, having thrown two picks and posted a 40.9 passer rating in his lone postseason appearance. Though his early accomplishments prompted Arizona to sign him to a blockbuster extension (five years, $230.5 million) back in the 2022 offseason, the Cardinals need him to provide more consistent excellence to justify the return on their investment in a league that measures quarterback success by wins and rings." --Bucky Brooks

After signing his big extension a few years ago, Murray isn't going anywhere for a while. However, if he wants to be considered among the elite QBs in the league, it's time for him to start winning and coming up big during crucial moments.

Murray recently talked about how he wants to get back to making more plays with his legs, both as a rusher and throwing on the run when things break down. The Cardinals are banking on a Year 2 leap from wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and tight end Trey McBride had a breakout season in 2024.

Murray also has running back James Conner to lean on, who has posted back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. There are plenty of pieces in place for Murray to elevate his game to the next level, and the excuses are quickly running out.