Kyler Murray’s return holds financial risk for Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are eagerly anticipating Kyler Murray’s return to the field this season, despite the financial risk it entails. Murray recently returned to practice after recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in December of last year. If he cannot pass a physical by March 2024, his $29.9 million salary for 2025 will become fully guaranteed. However, the Cardinals are determined to ensure Murray’s health without sacrificing gameplay.

Additionally, Murray will face tough competition from some of the NFL’s most formidable defenses, including the Browns, Ravens, 49ers, Steelers, Rams, and Eagles. The Cardinals have not yet set a specific date for his return, but he will not be playing against the Seahawks this Sunday. The latest he could return this season is the Cardinals’ Week 10 home game against the Falcons, as they have until November 8th to activate Murray to the 53-man roster.

Murray, who signed a five-year extension in July 2022, is committed to the Cardinals through the 2028 season and has $160 million guaranteed for injury. Despite the potential financial risk, the Cardinals are determined to have Murray back on the field. Last season, the Raiders benched quarterback Derek Carr to avoid jeopardizing his guaranteed money after signing a lucrative contract extension.

The Cardinals recently announced that Murray has been designated to return from the physically unable to perform list. While his timeline for return remains undisclosed, his progress is encouraging to his teammates, including Cardinals left tackle D.J. Humphries who expressed his excitement at seeing Murray back in action during practice.

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon stated that Murray’s return will be an “organizational decision” and that he will play a significant role in the discussions. In the meantime, Joshua Dobbs will continue as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback for their upcoming game against the Seahawks, where they look to improve their 1-5 record against the 3-2 Seahawks.