With the 2023 season coming to a close, NFL fans received an eye-opening update this week regarding the looming questions surrounding Kyler Murray’s future with the Cardinals.
Arizona’s Week 18 finale will mark Murray’s eighth game since returning from his Dec. 2022 ACL tear, and the last chance for first-year coach Jonathan Gannon and team brass to see the quarterback in action as they continue to assess his status as a franchise cornerstone.
With Murray under contract through the ’28 season, Gannon gave a clear indication when asked if if there’s any doubt about the 26-year-old’s odds of staying in town despite being a subject of trade rumors.
“No, there is not,” Gannon said with a laugh on the Burns and Gambo show. “No, there’s no doubt. … He’s done everything we’ve asked and I just feel like, what he’s done, the work he’s put in to get to this point, wins or losses, play the type of football that he has, coming off a knee, in a new system, the competitor that he is, I’ve been very pleased with him.”
Gannon further touted his strong level of confidence in Murray and his ability to lead the Cards, noting he’s “more convicted than when I got here” after working with the 2019 No. 1 pick for the last year.
"Is there any doubt in your mind who your QB is going to be for next season?" - @Gambo987
— The Burns & Gambo Show (@BurnsAndGambo) January 2, 2024
"No there is not." - Cards HC Jonathan Gannon pic.twitter.com/vUdEPd2fn2
While anything could change in the months ahead, Gannon’s apparent backing of Murray coming off his best effort of the season could be enough to end all chatter of a potential split, and focus the conversation on a rebuild with the dynamic QB healthy and at the forefront.
Against the Eagles in Week 17, Murray tallied 232 yards, a season-best three touchdown passes and one interception in the Cards’s 35-31 road upset. He will enter the team’s home clash against the Seahawks on Sunday with totals of 1,537 yards, nine TDs and five interceptions.
