ARIZONA CARDINALS

Kelvin Beachum says next step for Kyler Murray is ‘growing up a little’

Mar 8, 2023, 8:58 PM | Updated: Mar 9, 2023, 11:54 am

For Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to be great, he needs to “grow up a little bit,” offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum believes.

Beachum — who spent the last three seasons with Arizona and is a free agent — told Arizona Sports’ Burns and Gambo on Wednesday that Murray is maturing as a leader but has room to grow.

“It’s not a completed process,” Beachum said. “I didn’t say he lacks leadership, I just think he needs to grow up a little bit. I think if he has the ability and willingness to grow up, he’s going to be just fine.

“They paid him for a reason, they paid him because of his talent. He has the ability to lead. When you’re in that position, we need you to lead more. You’re the face of the franchise … you have to lead in every single capacity.”

Beachum said Murray has all the tools necessary to be successful, and there is a lot of weight that comes with being a franchise quarterback.

Murray is 25 and has been Arizona’s starting QB since his NFL debut in 2019 after the Cardinals took him with the No. 1 overall pick.

At times in 2021, when the Cardinals finished 11-6 after a 7-0 start, Murray looked like an MVP candidate and frontrunner. Last season was more tumultuous on and off the field, ending with Murray suffering a torn ACL in Week 14.

The Cardinals and Murray agreed to a five-year extension worth up to a reported $230.5 million just before training camp in 2022.

The contract had its own drama, though, as the infamous homework clause was uncovered before Arizona took it out following backlash.

Beachum said the contract talks that lasted through offseason workouts, along with a flurry of off-the-field situations with Arizona prior to training camp, had impacts on the locker room.

Murray will now have to adjust to new leadership for the first time in his NFL career, as Arizona fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury and replaced him with Jonathan Gannon. Murray and several Cardinals teammates were in the room for Gannon’s introductory press conference.

Gannon has been clear he wants the offense built around Murray’s skillset to get the most out of the QB going forward.

“Kyler is his own individual, he’s his own person, he beats to his own drum, which has made him what he is today,” Beachum said. “But, at the end of the day, you have to be able to lead an entire organization, you’ve got to lead a team.”

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon...

Tyler Drake

Close it out! Cards’ Jonathan Gannon predicts defensive wild card win for D-backs

Defense wins championships, or in this case, National League Wild Card Series. Just ask Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.

2 hours ago

Garrett Williams introductory press conference...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals designate rookie CB Garrett Williams for return off NFI

The Cardinals designated rookie cornerback Garrett Williams for return from the non-football injury list on Wednesday.

4 hours ago

Nolan Cooney...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals release P Nolan Cooney, sign 2 to active roster

The Arizona Cardinals released punter Nolan Cooney and added Blake Gillikin on Tuesday afternoon, the team announced.

1 day ago

Dante Stills...

Tyler Drake

New era notes: Cardinals’ Dante Stills impressing as snaps pile up

Rookie Dante Stills is flying under the radar as he slowly but surely gets the chance to prove himself along the defensive line.

2 days ago

Christian Matthew at training camp...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals release CB Christian Matthew, 2 others from 53-man roster

The Arizona Cardinals released cornerbacks Kris Boyd and Christian Matthew and offensive lineman Ilm Manning on Monday.

2 days ago

Presented By...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Why Arizona fans should be optimistic after weekend of Cardinals, Diamondbacks losses

It was a weekend of losses for sports teams across the Valley, including Team U.S.A. in the Ryder Cup, but Dan Bickley explains why Arizona sports fans should be optimistic heading into a new week. Video: Felisa Cárdenas/Arizona Sports Presented By

2 days ago

Kelvin Beachum says next step for Kyler Murray is ‘growing up a little’