GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has an opportunity to make franchise history during the 2025 season. In the 21st century only two Cardinals quarterbacks have received MVP votes, Carson Palmer (2015) and Kurt Warner (2008), who both received one vote. NFL.com writer Eric Edholm named an MVP candidate from every NFC team, with Murray getting the nomination from Arizona. However, Edholm doesn’t think Murray’s case is too farfetched, as he “quietly” had the best season of his career in 2024.
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Dec 22, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to pass in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Edhom on Murray leading the Cardinals next season:
“I think Murray quietly had one of his best seasons last year, and he’s reaching the peak of his career just as the Cardinals appear to be rounding into form…Murray has yet to receive an MVP vote, but he has two enticing targets in TE Trey McBride and WR Marvin Harrison Jr., which could vault him to a career-best season. The Cardinals have their work cut out for them in the thorny NFC West, but there’s at least an MVP path for Murray if he can lead them back to prominence.”
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and tight end Trey McBride (85) with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
To become an MVP candidate the player’s team has to win. The team doubled its win total from the past two seasons, from four to eight, while having five single-score losses. Six of the team’s nine losses came to playoff teams last year, with eight of them coming to team’s with winning records. The squad is ready to contend, especially with the improvements made this offseason on the defensive side of the ball.
General manager Monti Ossenfort signed Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell to deals to be veterans in the front seven to improve the squad’s lackluster pass rush. Next season will be the best defense Murray has had, which gives him no excuses to not put on an MVP-caliber performance.
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) alongside quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Washington Commanders in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The 28-year-old has his best season statistically since 2020, recording 3,851 passing yards, 572 rushing yards and 26 total touchdowns. His versatility to avoid pressure and to make decisions outside of the pocket make him an electric player to watch and will generate buzz for him, more so if Arizona gets off to a hot start.
The Cardinals have the 27th easiest schedule heading into 2025, with Murray notably playing better earlier in the season throughout his career. If the two-time Pro Bowler can take advantage of an easier strength of schedule, while putting up counting stats, his MVP hopes aren’t that hard to imagine.
PFF ranks Cardinals’ Garrett Williams in top CB spot for zone coverage with high praise
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
