However, on the national stage, that excitement doesn't necessarily equate to greatness. Pro Football Focus recently ranked all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks, and Murray landed in Tier No. 4. He's currently ranked No. 17 overall, sandwiched between Detroit's Jared Goff and Seattle's Geno Smith. This ranking places him in the "melting pot of starting quarterbacks."
What does this mean for Murray? Well, it's a critical year for him. In 2022, he tore his ACL in November, which meant he was out for most of the 2023 season. The Cardinals, not expected to perform well, had little reason to rush him back. However, he returned in Week 10, playing a total of eight games, and performed decently. His 2021 season was almost MVP-worthy, boasting 43 big-time throws and just 14 turnover-worthy plays. Yet, his 2022 season before the injury was a significant step back.
Here are a few key points to consider:
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Kyler's Paycheck vs. Performance: Despite his salary indicating he should rank higher, the list is packed with top-tier talent. For instance, Tier 1 is reserved solely for Patrick Mahomes. Tier 2 includes the elite, and Tier 3 consists of postseason-worthy QBs. Murray shares Tier 4 with notable quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa, and Brock Purdy.
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2024 is Crucial: This season is pivotal for Murray. Whether he leads the Cardinals to the playoffs or not, he needs to show he's more than just a decent starter. The team expects big things from him, and staying healthy is key to fulfilling that potential.
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Optimism in Arizona: If he can avoid injuries, there's a lot of optimism about what Murray can achieve. The Cardinals believe they have much more than an average quarterback in him. They envision a leader who can elevate the team's performance significantly.
Kyler Murray's journey back to form will be closely watched. With the Cardinals' support and his evident talent, there's hope that he will rise above his current ranking and prove he's worth every bit of the investment.
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