The pressure in Arizona is no longer subtle. Multiple injuries to franchise quarterback Kyler Murray have stalled momentum and diluted the early vision of newly hired head coach Mike LaFleur. Instead of fully installing his offensive blueprint, LaFleur has been forced to adjust around availability concerns.
That’s why the projection of replacing Murray with a 298-touchdown free agent feels more strategic than shocking. And nearly 300 scores in the National Football League signal durability proves command of this four-time Pro Bowler. Let’s dive in to know more.
Cardinals Might Eye 14-Season Veteran As Potential Successor to Kyler Murray
Reports are circulating that the Atlanta Falcons are expected to release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins before the start of the season, signaling a potential reset at the position. After a difficult 2025 campaign, questions about fit and long-term direction have only intensified in Atlanta.
That development could directly impact Arizona’s plans. The Cardinals may view Cousins as a viable option for the 2026 NFL season, especially with uncertainty surrounding their current quarterback situation. At 37 and not signaling retirement despite a rough 2025 season, Cousins could be an intriguing target for the Cardinals if they decide to pivot.
According to ESPN’s official stats, Cousins finished the 2025 regular season with the National Football League Atlanta Falcons, throwing for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in ten games (eight starts). His overall QBR was 47.5, and he ranked near the bottom of qualified passers in passing yards and TDs.
Cousins never consistently lived up to his big contract in Atlanta. After signing a four-year, $180 million deal, the Falcons ended up benching him at times and saw uneven play. In 2025, he finished with modest numbers and didn’t firmly solidify himself as the long-term answer at QB. Instead of him, Atlanta invested in younger quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
But why would the Cardinals think about replacing Murray? First, durability has been a recurring issue. Injuries have interrupted momentum, making it difficult for the coaching staff to build offensive continuity.
In Week 5 of 2025, Murray suffered a foot injury (mid-foot sprain) during a loss to the Tennessee Titans. He missed multiple games afterward and was eventually placed on injured reserve in November 2025. On Dec. 5, 2025, the Cardinals announced that Murray would not return for the rest of the season because the foot hadn’t healed as hoped.
The second reason is the inconsistency that has crept into stretches of play, creating questions about ceiling versus reliability. And the third reason is, a new coaching regime often reassesses everything.
If the staff believes its system requires a different style of pocket presence or decision-making, they’ll explore alternatives. This doesn’t automatically mean a replacement is imminent. It means the Cardinals may be evaluating whether stability outweighs upside at the league’s most critical position. And that is why Cousins could be a good fit for the Cardinals.
