Arizona Cardinals
· 2026-07-01
The Arizona Cardinals are under fire for their offseason decisions, particularly the release of QB Kyler Murray and the drafting of RB Jeremiyah Love.
Arizona started a new era under Mike LaFleur, making the first moves in yet another rebuild in the desert.
The team released Murray, who was due $78 million over the next two years, and drafted Love at third overall.
ESPN's Seth Walder gave the Cardinals a 'D' grade, criticizing their decision to release Murray without getting anything in return.
Walder argued that the team could have paid Murray's $17 million roster bonus and then traded him, receiving draft pick compensation.
The Cardinals will pay Murray $35.5 million to not play for them in 2026, a move that Walder sees as a mistake.
As of now, the Cardinals stand 8th in the American Football Conference with an 8-9 record, on a L7 streak.
Their next game is against the Los Angeles Chargers on 2026-09-13.
The team's decision to draft Love has also been questioned, with Walder citing the positional value argument.
Love is an exceptional running back prospect, but taking him at No. 3 may not have been the best move.
The Cardinals' odds of having a winning season are stacked against them, but it will be fascinating to watch how their decisions play out.
And with the new era under LaFleur, the team is looking to turn things around.
But for now, the criticism from Walder and others will continue to surround the team.
So the Cardinals will have to prove themselves on the field to silence their critics.
The team's performance will be closely watched, especially with their tough schedule ahead.