When Kyler Murray is healthy, it’ll be time for the Cardinals to let him fly

Kyler Murray is hurt. He hasn’t practiced since a traumatic loss to the Titans. It might be a silver lining, a blessing in disguise.

If Murray can’t play Sunday in Indianapolis, Arizona will get its first real look at Jacoby Brissett, a backup quarterback with real size (6-foot-4), real experience and real pocket presence.

Maybe he sees things Murray cannot. Maybe he attempts passes that Murray will not. Maybe Marvin Harrison Jr. has a breakout game in Murray’s absence. Maybe Brissett unlocks the offense entirely, and the Cardinals come home with a full-blown quarterback controversy.

Wouldn’t that be interesting?

It’s not impossible. Over his journeyman career, Brissett has played very well in stretches. Despite a string of good performances, the Valley is currently suffering from extreme K1 fatigue and skepticism. And maybe Brissett can instantly elevate a grounded offense and validate an offensive coordinator on a very hot seat.

On the other hand, if Brissett gets the start and struggles, it will instantly lower the temperature around the polarizing incumbent. After all, it’s been a while since we’ve missed Kyler Murray.

When they arrived at their bye week in 2024, the Cardinals were 6-4 and making a push to the playoffs. Murray has been far less than stellar ever since. He produced a number of mind-boggling gaffes to end that season; another in the 2025 preseason that was too easy to erase from the memory; and another in last week’s loss the Titans.

If recent criticisms of Murray seem heavy-handed, it’s because he isn’t getting better. In Year 7, he still lacks many of the toughness and intangibles that all Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks seem to possess. He doesn’t play the position the way it demands, which makes the whole exercise seem hopeless.

This is also clear: After doing everything possible to win Murray’s trust and full commitment, the Cardinals are now putting restrictor plates and safety belts around Murray. And it’s only making things worse.

Whenever Murray returns, the Cardinals need to open the birdcage and let him fly, for better or worse. They need Murray to let it rip. We need resolution. And given his prowess at chess, maybe let him call a chunk of his own plays. Either way, Murray needs to find his way back to MVP candidacy or the postseason becomes a pipe dream.

Even worse: If the Cardinals don’t find a way to unleash Murray from the awkward role of game manager, he might get the pink slip and his walking papers and quickly become a star somewhere else, in a system that knows how to capitalize on his elite playmaking skills. After all this time and energy and frustration, wouldn’t that be the ultimate indignity?

Remember, the league is full of shining reclamation projects. And if you’re rolling your eyes about Murray becoming a fan favorite in another city, go ask Browns fans about Baker Mayfield. Or Giants fans about Daniel Jones. Or Jets fans about Geno Smith. Or Panthers fans about Sam Darnold.

It happens too often in the NFL, where there is no greater indictment than suppressing, smothering and coaching down great talent.

Reach Bickley at dbickley@arizonasports.com. Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7.

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