
<p>At 26,<strong> Murray</strong> signed a significant $230 million extension in 2022, securing his tenure with the team until the 2028 season. However, the Cardinals’ recent coaching changes and the team’s performance underscore the significance of Murray’s contribution down the stretch. The Cardinals, currently on a six-game losing streak with a 1-8 record, are looking to turn the tide.</p>



<p>Addressing concerns about potential alterations to his playing approach, especially considering his history as one of the league’s premier scrambling quarterbacks, Murray conveyed trust in his offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Despite the Cardinals’ recent struggles, Petzing expressed no plans to curtail Murray’s dynamic running abilities through play calling.</p>



<p>Reflecting on the challenging journey of the past 10 months, Murray underwent ACL repair on January 3, commencing a rigorous rehabilitation process. The quarterback recently emerged from the reserve/physically unable to perform list after his 21-day practice window had opened on October 18.</p>



<h2>Kyler Murray’s Mindset Playing Post-Injury</h2>



<p>Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons marks Murray’s debut with the Cardinals’ new coaching staff, brought in during the offseason after the departure of Kliff Kingsbury. Despite coach Gannon’s emphasis on patience, Murray expressed a strong rapport with him, noting their shared perspective on the game and a mutual competitive spirit.</p>



<p>In the lead-up to his highly anticipated return to the field, Kyler Murray conveyed a measured emotional stance, describing himself as ‘kind of emotionless’ during his meticulous preparation. This underscores the paramount importance of maintaining a balanced mindset and diligently steering clear of extremes of high or low emotions.</p>



<p>Murray was quoted saying, “Every time I take the field, I’m trying to do my thing,” in response to his coach’s caution about managing expectations post-injury. Murray further dismissed the notion that the injury would change his playing style, asserting, “I hear what [Gannon is] saying, but that’s not in my head.”</p>


Kyler Murray's Anticipated Comeback: Facing Challenges and High Expectations

Kyler Murray's Anticipated Comeback: Facing Challenges and High Expectations - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas


<p>According to <em>ESPN</em>‘s Dianna Russini, the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-3-experienced-players-who-could-still-be-traded-after-2023-nfl-draft-20230430-SPD-3611.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minnesota Viking</a></strong>s seem to be ready to cut ties with running back <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-most-disappointing-nfl-draft-picks-over-the-last-two-decades-20230426-SPD-3602.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dalvin Cook</a></strong>. Money seems to be the issue that would drive a wedge between Cook and the Vikings. </p>



<p>Cook has a $10.4 million base salary and a $14.1 million cap hit for the 2023 season, and the organization allegedly requested him to modify his compensation this season. The Vikings undoubtedly want to retain the 27-year-old, but they look willing to let him go in order to clear salary cap room. </p>



<p>Although Cook’s choices may be limited by his contract, there are still many organizations who would be keen to sign him. If things don’t work out between the running back and the Vikings, <em>CBS Sports</em> have broken down his three potential destinations.</p>



<h2>3. Arizona Cardinals</h2>



<p>The Arizona Cardinals have enough salary cap room to sign Cook. They also need help at running back behind James Conner, who, because of his injury history, could use a player of Cook’s ability to help him stay healthy. With Cook’s potential acquisition, they would have one of the best offenses in the NFL.</p>



<h2>2. Chicago Bears</h2>



<p>First of all, the Bears have the salary cap room to sign Cook, who has caused the team plenty of trouble while playing for Minnesota. The Bears may use Cook to replace D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert, and rookie Roschon Johnson in the backfield.</p>



<p>The Bears’ offense is a perfect match for Cook. Running behind a new and improved offensive line that features first-round draft selection Darnell Wright, he would have an opportunity to shine. In addition, Cook would be paired with quarterback Justin Fields, who is set for a big year.</p>



<h2>1. Dallas Cowboys</h2>



<p>It’s good knowledge that Jerry Jones enjoys making bold decisions, and such would be signing Cook. Putting the headlines aside, this change is rational from a staffing perspective. The Cowboys could use a guy of Cook’s level to complement Pollard’s performance. In addition, the 27-year-old RB would provide insurance in case Pollard decides to depart the team after the 2023 season.</p>


NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dalvin Cook in case of Vikings exit

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dalvin Cook in case of Vikings exit - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-most-disappointing-nfl-draft-picks-over-the-last-two-decades-20230426-SPD-3602.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 NFL Draft</a></strong> lasted over three days and 259 picks. A lot may be dissected now that it is in the history books.</p>



<p>The bulk of the offseason’s work in acquiring players is concluded, except for any undrafted free agents signed to fill up the team’s last roster spots. Nonetheless, teams may make additional moves as the offseason progresses. </p>



<p>The conclusion of the draft may hasten the next steps of veterans still available in free agency or on the trade market, as clubs scramble to find last-minute reinforcements in positions of need. Keeping this in mind, <em>CBS Sports </em>have reported on three potential trades following the draft.</p>



<h2>Malik Willis to Cardinals</h2>



<p>The Titans, who used a third-round selection on him last year, seem to have moved on, as they used the 33rd pick this year to choose Will Levis, an athletic but unpredictable competitor to Ryan Tannehill. The Cardinals, on the other hand, have a promising young quarterback in Kyler Murray, but he may not be healthy enough to start until 2023. </p>



<p>In the meanwhile, the team will have to rely on a collection of older backups like Colt McCoy, Jeff Driskel, and David Blough. After seeing Jalen Hurts flourish as a dual threat in Philadelphia, new head coach Jonathan Gannon may be prepared to give Willis a go as a developmental project behind Murray.</p>



<h2>DeAndre Hopkins to Chiefs</h2>



<p>With Gabriel Davis under more scrutiny as the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Stefon Diggs, the Bills may need Hopkins’ services more than ever. The Chiefs prioritized wide receiver this summer, and they drafted Rashee Rice in the second round, but Rice isn’t as technically sound a possession target as Hopkins has been at full speed. Kansas City is capable of using this location to save money by relying on Travis Kelce and <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-the-worst-first-round-draft-picks-in-the-previous-10-years-20230408-SPD-3560.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Mahomes</a></strong> to boost the performance of the rest of the team.</p>



<p>Hopkins has previously hinted that he would welcome a transfer to Arrowhead, and that’s with the team in a continuous Super Bowl window and all. The Cardinals could keep the veteran for when Kyler Murray comes back, but they’d probably prefer to get a good draft selection for the high-priced receiver now.</p>



<h2>Dalvin Cook to Bills</h2>



<p>After heavily promoting their fast but pricey running back, the Vikings could be inclined to break up with him if they use a late-round choice on DeWayne McBride, a possible power complement to the re-signed Alexander Mattison. The Dolphins, Buffalo’s AFC East opponent, have been more strongly connected to Cook, a native of Miami, but the Dolphins recently used a third-round pick on Devon Achane and re-signed Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson. </p>



<p>But the Bills, who are fighting to keep their division lead, might welcome the chance to improve upon an already potent offensive unit. Former Patriots running back Damien Harris was signed, but he won’t necessarily get significant playing time or take the lead role many are hoping for. James Cook could probably handle a full-time job, but he may choose to split carries with his brother if it improves the team’s chances of winning the Super Bowl.</p>


NFL: 3 experienced players who could still be traded after 2023 NFL Draft

NFL: 3 experienced players who could still be traded after 2023 NFL Draft - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>A top defensive player in the NFL is trying to switch teams. According to <em>ESPN</em>, <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-bijan-robinson-20230415-SPD-3578.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cardinals</a></strong> safety <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-top-3-nfc-teams-that-need-to-make-excellent-draft-choices-20230413-SPD-3573.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Budda Baker</a></strong> has asked to be traded after being named to the All-Pro team twice and the Pro Bowl five times.</p>



<p>Reports indicate that Baker notified the organization of his desire to be moved In February or offered a new contract that would make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. The 27-year-old’s contract with the Cardinals has two more years to go. His projected earnings for 2023 and 2024 total just over $13 million and $14.2 million, respectively.</p>



<p>Baker, who was selected 36th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, has been named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl. If traded before the 2023 season, Baker might end up in one of these three places, as per <em>CBS Sports.</em></p>



<h2>5. Houston Texans</h2>



<p>With new head coach DeMeco Ryans leading the charge, the arrival of Baker would be a huge boost for the club. The Texans have the salary-cap room and draft picks to pull off a deal of this size. Baker, a former NFL linebacker who served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator for two successful seasons, seems like a good fit for Ryans’s system.</p>



<h2>4. Pittsburgh Steelers</h2>



<p>Starting strong safety Terrell Edmunds just left the Steelers and joined the Eagles in free agency, a major loss for Pittsburgh. With Baker on board, the Steelers would have the league’s greatest safety tandem in Minkah Fitzpatrick and Baker. This change would also let Patrick Peterson keep his starting cornerback position rather than transition to free safety.</p>



<h2>3. Dallas Cowboys</h2>



<p>The addition of Baker to Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs would make the Cowboys’ defense unstoppable. Dallas has the requisite means to facilitate such a trade. Malik Hooker, Dallas’ current starting free safety and a Pro Bowl performer, may be part of a package sent to Arizona by the Cowboys.</p>



<h2>2. Philadelphia Eagles</h2>



<p>After a devastating free agency, the reigning NFC champs have voids to fill. Despite acquiring Edmunds, who helped shore up a weakness, the Eagles still need to replace starting safeties Marcus Epps and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, both of whom left through free agency. Baker would join an Eagles defense that also has Trey Edmunds, Darius Slay, and James Bradberry if he were to be traded to Philadelphia.</p>



<h2>1. Green Bay Packers</h2>



<p>Since Greg Williams, the Packers’ new defensive passing game coordinator, coached the Cardinals’ cornerbacks for the previous four seasons, Baker is a good fit for Green Bay’s need for a playmaking safety. The Packers have the financial resources to pull this off, ranking sixth in the NFL in cap space, per <em>Spotrac.</em></p>


NFL: Top 5 most likely destinations for Budda Baker in case of Cardinals exit

NFL: Top 5 most likely destinations for Budda Baker in case of Cardinals exit - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-mike-mccarthy-gets-strong-support-from-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-2364-20220726-SPD-2364.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cardinals</a></strong> have already lost a crucial player due to injury, and it hasn’t even been two full days of training camp. In a surprising move, the Arizona Cardinals have placed offseason addition <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-patrick-mahomes-denies-chiefs-reported-dissatisfaction-with-orlando-brown-2346-20220724-SPD-2346.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marquise Brown</a></strong> on the active non-football injury list.</p>



<p>Brown has been put on the active/non-football injury list by the Arizona Cardinals as training camp gets underway due to a hamstring ailment. He is entering his debut season with the Arizona Cardinals after being traded to them from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.</p>



<p>This happened only hours after head coach Kliff Kingsbury declared that all players had reported and passed the team’s fitness test. Both the nature and extent of his injuries remain unclear.</p>



<h2>What coach Kliff Kingsbury said about Marquise Brown’s injury</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><em>“I think he just tweaked something and I expect him to be back sooner than later I think we’re just being precautionary. We know when he practices, he practices hard and he’s going to put in the work,” the head coach added. “We want to make sure when he comes back he’s full strength.</em></p><p><em>“I would say his comfort level is farther ahead than he would be having played at OU in a similar type system. I would say verbiage wise, formationally, things like that, but he has tremendous speed. We feel like the comfort level he has with Kyler [Murray], he throws with him all the time, is a great kind of bonus to that icing on the cake.</em></p><cite>Kingsbury said, via <em>ESPN</em>‘s Josh Weinfuss</cite></blockquote>


NFL News: Arizona put new arrival Marquise Brown on injured list

NFL News: Arizona put new arrival Marquise Brown on injured list - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-kyler-murray-extends-cardinals-contract-for-five-years-2313-20220722-SPD-2313.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cardinals</a></strong> have joined the growing list of NFL teams that have looked to the USFL for talent as they prepare to fill up their 90-man roster in advance of training camp. In a Friday press release, the team said it had signed wide receiver <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/jared-goff-gets-strong-support-from-lions-hc-dan-campbell-2258-20220718-SPD-2258.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victor Bolden Jr.</a> </strong>away from the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-eddie-goldman-retires-at-28-two-weeks-after-joining-falcons-2301-20220720-SPD-2301.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birmingham Stallions</a></strong> for a single season.</p>



<p>Bolden’s current NFL career is not his debut. The 27-year-previous old’s stops include the San Francisco 49ers, the Buffalo Bills, and the Detroit Lions.</p>



<p>While playing in the USFL, Bolden was a key part of the Stallions’ offense. He participated in nine games during the first regular season and had 42 catches for 415 yards and a score. His receiving yardage and receptions both placed in the top four in the league.</p>



<h2>Victor Bolden Jr. returns to NFL</h2>



<p>As a key contributor to the Stallions’ title run, Bolden was instrumental in the team’s 9-1 regular season record. The 27-year-old wide receiver grabbed six of his nine receptions for 64 yards and the game-winning score in the final victory against the Philadelphia Stars. </p>



<p>He was also crucial in the return game, as seen by his 92 yards on four kickoff returns. For these reasons, Bolden was voted Most Valuable Player in the USFL Finals.</p>


NFL News: Cardinals snatch 2022 USFL MVP Victor Bolden Jr.

NFL News: Cardinals snatch 2022 USFL MVP Victor Bolden Jr. - thesportsdrops NEWS


<p>After much consideration,<strong> <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-eddie-goldman-retires-at-28-two-weeks-after-joining-falcons-2301-20220720-SPD-2301.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyler Murray</a></strong> has decided to stay with the<strong> <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-sean-payton-believes-hell-return-to-coaching-but-doesnt-know-where-2277-20220719-SPD-2277.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona Cardinals</a></strong>. The two parties apparently settled on a hefty $230.5 million contract extension Thursday after an eventful summer, as reported by <em>ESPN</em>‘s Adam Schefter.</p>



<p>The club seemed to announce the extension on Twitter, albeit they did not provide any other information on the deal. Value-wise, it is said that it tops Deshaun Watson’s record-breaking $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, which he signed back in March.</p>



<p>On the downside, it does not have as much certain cash. Although just a portion of Watson’s $230 million contract was guaranteed by the Browns, the quarterback is guaranteed $160 million.</p>



<h2>Kyler Murray to stay in Arizona until 2027</h2>



<p>From a financial standpoint, Murray’s new contract will pay him $30 million in Year 1, $68 million over the first two years, and $106.15 million over the first three years of his new deal, based on information from NFL Media. He is due to make just $965,000 in 2022, but the sum is supposed to skyrocket to $29.7 million in 2023 if his fifth-year option is fully guaranteed.</p>



<p>The 24-year-old has performed well for the team after being drafted first overall in the 2019 NFL draft. Murray has thrown for 70 touchdowns and 34 picks in his three seasons as a starter. He has also run for 1,786 yards and 20 touchdowns.</p>


Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray's Anticipated Comeback: Facing Challenges and High Expectations

NFL: Top 3 most likely destinations for Dalvin Cook in case of Vikings exit

NFL: 3 experienced players who could still be traded after 2023 NFL Draft

NFL: Top 5 most likely destinations for Budda Baker in case of Cardinals exit

NFL News: Arizona put new arrival Marquise Brown on injured list

NFL News: Cardinals snatch 2022 USFL MVP Victor Bolden Jr.

NFL News: Kyler Murray extends Cardinals contract for five years

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