The Arizona Cardinals began Phase 1 of the offseason program on Tuesday, the formal start of preparing for the 2023 season. Phase 1 is just strength and conditioning work.
It is, of course, voluntary.
However, after not participating in much of the voluntary part of the offseason program a year ago, quarterback Kyler Murray was in the building and present, according to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss.
This should come as no surprise for multiple reasons.
He has been in the building much of the offseason so far, getting treatment and rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee. He had his ACL surgery in Dallas but has been in Tempe often.
This offseason, there is no contract dispute.
Additionally, it benefits him financially to be at offseason workouts. Murray has a $1 million workout bonus this year, which means he needs to be present for a specified percentage of workouts, but that percentage, per league rules, cannot exceed 84.375% (attending 27 of 32 workouts).
Murray might not be able to do football work, but he will be in the building with the guys. He is already cleared for strength work, as he demonstrated on social media recently.
While last offseason, there was a lot of noise about Murray, his presence and his work ethic, expect 2023 to be much quieter. He will be around and working hard.
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