Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald talks with quarterback Kyler Murray. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Larry Fitzgerald takes strong Kyler Murray stance as Cardinals ponder major QB shake-up

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 10/8/23

The Arizona Cardinals find themselves at a crossroads under center.

Not so long ago, former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray was considered the team's franchise signal-caller. However, a torn ACL in Week 14 of last season combined with a $159.8 million guaranteed price tag have since clouded Murray's future in the desert.

Despite whispers of Arizona looking to move off the former Heisman Trophy winner, Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald remains confident in Murray's abilities to be a top-tier quarterback.

“I think he's already a franchise quarterback. He's a good young man. He's passionate about the game of football," Fitzgerald told the AP's Rob Maaddi of Murray. "Playing quarterback in the NFL in my opinion is the most difficult thing in sports. I think (Murray) has grown a great deal and I'm excited for when he gets back on the field. He'll be able to show the world what he's capable of and how he can lead a franchise."

11-time Pro Bowl WR Larry Fitzgerald is confident Kyler Murray can be a franchise QB for the Cardinals.

Listen to the full interview with @RobMaaddi on the AP Pro Football Podcast here: https://t.co/FxsumoWk5w. pic.twitter.com/s94MzOvpt8
— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) October 6, 2023

Murray became eligible to return from the physical unable to perform (PUP) list on Monday. Yet, he did not return to practice this week and is still considered "weeks away from playing," per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

On Friday, Schefter's colleague Dan Graziano revealed that the Cardinals remain undecided on Murray's future with the organization. Ultimately, first-year general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon have no allegiance to Murray. With two 2024 first-round picks at their disposal, the Cardinals should be in contention to draft USC star quarterback Caleb Williams — or another blue-chip quarterback if they so choose.

ESPN’s @DanGrazianoESPN says the Cardinals are undecided on Kyler Murray as their long-term QB:

"I do not believe the Cardinals have decided what they will do with Murray after this season….He's still not healthy enough to play, they don't know when he will be” pic.twitter.com/mpJGp0XePv
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 6, 2023

While Murray's upside is still tantalizing, expect Arizona to attempt getting out from under the quarterback's massive contract this offseason and start fresh under center in 2024.

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