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Michael Lombardi suggests the Cardinals will not play Kyler Murray this season

Originally posted on Burn City Sports | By Jacob Hardin | Last updated 8/29/23

During a recent segment on the Pat McAfee show, former NFL GM Michael Lombardi shared his conviction that Cardinals’ QB Kyler Murray will remain sidelined for the entirety of this season.

After suffering an ACL tear back in December, the Cardinals 2019 first-round pick was forced to miss the final four games of the season. In total last year, Murray missed six games.

Now, almost eight months into his recovery, Murray remains on the PUP list (physically unable to perform), which means the Cardinals will be without Kyler for at least the first four weeks of this season.

However, according to Michael Lombardi, the Cardinals will refrain from playing Murray ever again. This decision is based on the potential financial advantages that could be gained by keeping the former Heisman winner away from the field.

"Kyler Murray has $56M coming & he has a potential to earn $92M that are only protected by the injury guarantee clause..

My sense is that he won't play this season because the Cardinals can't risk putting him on the field & having him get injured" @mlombardiNFL #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/XygAVDSezD

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 29, 2023

Lombardi believes Kyler Murray will be traded sometime next offseason, creating an opportunity for the Cardinals to potentially secure USC QB Caleb Williams as the first overall draft pick in 2024.

In addition to the financial considerations, Lombardi highlights the Cardinals’ pursuit of a comprehensive cultural overhaul.

Under the presence of a new head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and general manager, Lombardi suggests that the Cardinals are actively aiming to phase out players associated with the Steve Keim era in Arizona.

This trend was foreshadowed by the Cardinals releasing DeAndre Hopkins and trading away Isaiah Simmons for a 7th-round pick.

Do you think Kyler Murray’s time in the desert is coming to an end?

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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