In a standout 2024 season, Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride emerged as a force to be reckoned with, finishing fourth in total receptions with an impressive 111 catches. Despite only securing two touchdowns, McBride's ability as both a pass catcher and a blocker has drawn rave reviews from teammates, particularly quarterback Kyler Murray, who targeted him a staggering 147 times during the season. This vital role in the offense highlights McBride's importance, especially in play-action and bootleg scenarios.

Operating primarily within the 11, 12, and 13 personnel groupings, McBride’s versatility forces opposing defenses to adapt by deploying more linebackers, creating mismatches that can be exploited. His performance not only adds depth to the Cardinals' offensive strategy but also enhances the efficiency of Murray’s throwing game, making McBride a pivotal piece as the Cardinals move forward.

Arizona Cardinals fans are holding onto hope as the team aims to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season that saw them drop five of their last seven games. Under the new leadership of head coach Jonathan Gannon, quarterback Kyler Murray’s performance has been inconsistent, particularly late in games. The offense struggled with execution, especially on critical third downs, leading to a lack of scoring opportunities. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis faced scrutiny for allowing 243 rushing yards against the Carolina Panthers in a pivotal game.

The Cardinals' season was marred by self-inflicted errors, culminating in a gut-wrenching loss against a Panthers team that finished with a sub-par record. Murray’s inability to avoid costly sacks and the offensive coordinator's failure to establish a dynamic running game left the fanbase frustrated. As they look to 2025, the question remains: can the Cardinals revitalize their potential and reclaim their place in the NFC West?

Kyler Murray remains the starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals amidst ongoing speculation regarding his future with the team. However, recent discussions have heightened the buzz around potential trade scenarios, especially following CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin's proposal for a major deal that could see Murray leaving the Cardinals for good. This potential move has sparked interest among teams searching for a franchise quarterback, as Murray's dual-threat capability makes him a coveted asset.

The Cardinals' front office has yet to confirm their intentions, but it's clear that teams looking to bolster their quarterback position will be keeping a close eye on this situation. Murray's unique skill set and previous performances indicate that he could transform the offense of any team willing to make a substantial offer.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts must carefully evaluate quarterback options. Among the top picks, Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals stands out for his dual-threat capabilities, making him a solid draft choice. Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills are also must-draft players due to their explosive performances. In contrast, Michael Penix Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons is deemed too risky to draft this year. Similarly, Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers and Justin Fields of the New York Jets are being passed on as they are yet to prove their fantasy viability.

Other notable mentions include Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, who is a safe pick if he can stay healthy, while Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles should be a top-five selection given his strong track record. Meanwhile, players like Dak Prescott and Tua Tagovailoa raise concerns regarding consistency and durability, warranting caution in draft strategy. As the draft approaches, it’s crucial to weigh these insights to optimize your fantasy team.

Kyler Murray gears up for another NFL season, now entering his prime at 28. Over six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, he has started 82 games, but a breakout season has eluded him. Despite being the first overall pick, annual expectations around his performance remain steady, yet average. His career stats are telling: QB rating, INT rate, TD percentage, sack percentage, and yards per attempt hover around league average.