The Cardinals doubled their win total in 2024, finishing the year with eight victories after back-to-back four win seasons. It's a step in the right direction for the Cardinals as general manager Monti Ossenfort is set to improve the team heading into 2025. While Ossenfort is credited for piecing together strong draft classes, the organization will take its swing at free agency first.
Free Agent primer schedule: Secondary Feb. 19, Specialists Feb. 20, Running Backs Feb. 24, Inside Linebackers Feb. 27, Wide Receivers March 3, Offensive Line March 5, Defensive Line March 6
Cap hit of players under contract for 2025 (via OverTheCap.com): Kyler Murray ($43,275,677), Clayton Tune ($1,117,656)
Analysis: Kyler Murray became the third-youngest player in NFL history to pass for over 19,000-plus yards and 3,000-plus rushing yards in his career. Murray also climbed up the franchise rankings, tying Neil Lomax for most season with 3,000-plus passing yards and most seasons with 20-plus touchdowns. Most importantly, Murray was able to start every game in a season for the first time since 2020.
After spending a majority of 2023 rehabbing from his ACL injury, it was reassuring to see Murray come out of 2024 fully healthy. Being on the field and continuing to develop rapport with the likes of Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr., can't be understated.
Murray shares the room with Clayton Tune, the Cardinals fifth-round draft choice in 2023. Tune appeared in a few games this past season, mostly appearing in short yardage situations where his 6-foot-3 frame could serve as an advantage. While a team hopes to never see their backup on the field, coach Jonathan Gannon provided positive feedback surrounding Tune's development throughout the season.
There have been reports on social media suggesting the Cardinals sign a backup quarterback during free agency to add competition to the room. Most of the top prospects are looking for a team where they could start, but Gannon has committed to having Murray be their guy of the future. Regardless, the team will need to add at least one arm for the offseason roster.
Notable past free agent quarterback signings: Brett Hundley (2019); Sam Bradford (2018); Mike Glennon (2018); Blaine Gabbert (2017); Drew Stanton (2013); Derek Anderson (2010); Kurt Warner (2005); Shaun King (2004); Boomer Esiason (1996); Jim McMahon (1994); Steve Beuerlein (1993).
A look at some of the top quarterbacks across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) sets up to pass during an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. The Rams defeated the Vikings 27-9. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to make a pass during an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 28-14. (Kara Durrette via AP)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Cleveland. (Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson (4) throws a pass during an NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Denver. The Broncos defeated the Cardinals 38-12. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance (19) looks to the sideline before the snap during a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. The Commanders won 23-19. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
New York Giants' Drew Lock plays during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) takes a snap during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Landover, Md. The Commanders defeated the Panthers 40-7. (Kara Durrette via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 in Cleveland. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) in front of New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
