GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals have moved on from former franchise quarterback Kyler Murray, but there remains a belief among some who coached him in Arizona that his story isn’t finished.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Wish this ex-Cardinals coach put his name on it. Very interesting opinion of Kyler. https://t.co/dFjkTBXq74 pic.twitter.com/fLrHJlaQEg
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) July 29, 2026
Murray’s tenure with the Cardinals began with hopes that he would become the franchise cornerstone capable of leading Arizona on deep playoff runs with his agility and ability to read defenses. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft arrived with high expectations, but they never came to fruition.
Injuries and inconsistent play derailed Murray’s tenure in Arizona, and the front office decided to part ways with him after the 2025 season. He was then picked up by the Minnesota Vikings, and while he won’t be wearing red anymore, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported that at least one former Cardinals coach still believes he can become the quarterback many expected him to be.
Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
“I think you’re about to see the best version of Kyler Murray,” one of Murray’s former Cardinals coaches said, requesting anonymity, according to Lewis. “And I’m f—ing pissed that I’m not going to get to be a part of it. I’m going to be jealous when he’s in a good environment, his headspace is good, and he shows people who the f— he is.”
The candid comments reflect the complicated view surrounding Murray in Arizona. While his tenure with the Cardinals was marked by injuries, inconsistency and questions that extended beyond his play on the field, many who worked with him still believed his talent was rare and could be unlocked under the right circumstances.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Murray’s best stretches in Arizona showcased why the franchise committed to him as its long-term answer. His arm strength, athleticism and ability to create outside the structure of an offense made him one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks when healthy. The challenge was sustaining that level over a full season.
Now, with a new chapter beginning in Minnesota, Murray has the chance to prove those believers right.
If Murray thrives in Minnesota, it will reinforce what some of his former coaches believed all along: The talent was never the issue. The question was whether the right environment would allow it to flourish.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to throw against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
It’s not just about whether a former player can find success elsewhere. It’s about whether the player the Cardinals once built around becomes the version many who worked with him believed was always possible.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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