Selected first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma after capturing the 2018 Heisman Trophy, Kyler Murray arrived in the desert as the ultimate franchise reset button. Armed with explosive track speed and a lightning-quick release, the dual-threat phenom spent seven years in Arizona defining the outer limits of modern backfield dynamism—a thrilling yet erratic era that ultimately gave way to injuries, structural regression, and a March 2026 release.

Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 207 pounds, Murray challenged traditional quarterback standards with his highly flexible arm strength and exceptional lateral agility. Working from spread formations, he had the unique skill to manipulate boundary defenders using his eyes, while making on-the-move throws appear seamless. When the pocket collapsed, his quick acceleration enabled him to shorten pursuit routes and turn broken plays into significant gains.

Murray lived up to the pre-draft hype as a rookie in 2019, throwing for 3,722 yards with 20 touchdowns while adding 544 yards and four scores on the ground. His instant splash earned him AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and signaled a bright new era for Arizona football.

He improved his performance over the next two seasons, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, he threw nearly 4,000 passing yards, gained 819 rushing yards, and scored 11 rushing touchdowns. The following fall, he achieved a career-high 69.2% completion rate and led the Cardinals to an 11-6 record— their first playoff appearance in six years. However, a poor wild-card loss to the Rams overshadowed his playoff debut.

The trajectory flattened under the weight of contract negotiations, offensive stagnation, and poor health. Murray struggled in 2022 before tearing his ACL in Week 14. He spent the first half of 2023 in grueling rehabilitation before making his midseason return.

Healthy once again in 2024, Murray staged a strong bounce-back campaign, passing for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns while guiding the offense with renewed efficiency.

However, his 2025 crossroads season turned into a breaking point. A nagging foot injury limited Murray to just five starts (962 passing yards, 6 touchdowns), and the offense operated with noticeably more consistency under veteran backup Jacoby Brissett.

With the franchise opting to reset its culture and cap structure, the Cardinals released Murray in March 2026. Shortly after, Murray signed a one-year reclamation deal with the Minnesota Vikings, closing his Arizona chapter with 20,460 passing yards, 121 touchdown passes, 3,193 rushing yards, and 32 rushing touchdowns.