In a season marred by challenges, frustrations, and uncertainty, the Arizona Cardinals have reason to be cautiously optimistic about the future. The team finished the 2024 season with a modest 4-win improvement over the previous year, sparking a mix of renewed hope and skepticism within the fanbase and among critics. While the slight step forward is an encouraging sign, the looming 2025 season could prove to be the defining moment for both quarterback Kyler Murray and head coach Jonathan Gannon. Will they prove to be the long-term solution or another case of “what could have been”?
A Frustrating Yet Progressive Season
The 2024 campaign was always set up to be a rebuilding year for the Cardinals. After a disastrous 2023 season that saw the team at the bottom of the NFC West, the expectation was that this would be a year of gradual improvement rather than an immediate return to playoff contention. The Cardinals finished with a 6-11 record, an improvement over their previous 3-14 mark, but it hardly felt like a massive leap forward.
There were moments where the team showed promise — particularly with flashes of talent from their younger players, including some key contributors on offense and defense. However, the inconsistency was impossible to ignore. The defense struggled in critical moments, and the offense, led by Kyler Murray, never quite found its rhythm. Fans saw enough to suggest that the foundation might be solid, but the team still felt far from competitive on the larger scale of the NFL.
Yet, for some, the 4-win improvement should be celebrated. Gannon, the rookie head coach, has clearly made his mark, and there’s a feeling that the Cardinals are headed in the right direction, even if it’s a slow, painful climb. But for all the progress, the reality remains: The clock is ticking.
The Uncertain Future of Kyler Murray
For Kyler Murray, 2025 will be the ultimate litmus test. Drafted as the franchise savior in 2019, Murray has shown moments of brilliance throughout his career. His athleticism and arm talent make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks when he’s playing at his best. But inconsistency has plagued him — from his inability to carry the team during critical stretches to his perceived immaturity at times.
In 2024, Murray returned from an ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season, but he never quite regained the form that made him an MVP candidate in his early years. While the Cardinals’ modest improvement can be partially credited to his presence, there were still too many games where Murray’s performance was underwhelming.
The question looms large: is Kyler Murray the quarterback who can lead the Cardinals back to relevance, or is he a flashy, inconsistent talent who will never reach his full potential? 2025 will be the year that answers that question.
Murray’s contract situation adds an additional layer of intrigue. He’s under a massive extension, which means the Cardinals are financially invested in him. But they also need to know whether that investment will pay dividends. If Murray continues to falter or fail to make the leap into elite territory, the franchise will be left facing a difficult decision: Keep him as the cornerstone of the rebuild or explore a new direction?
Jonathan Gannon: The Clock Is Ticking
While Murray’s future remains uncertain, the same can be said for head coach Jonathan Gannon. Though he is still in the early stages of his coaching career, his tenure as the leader of the Cardinals is already facing mounting pressure. Despite his experience as the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, the transition to head coach has not been seamless.
There’s no denying that Gannon inherited a difficult situation, but his playcalling, game management, and leadership have all been questioned. His defense, though improved, is still a work in progress, and many wonder whether Gannon can evolve into the type of coach that Arizona needs to contend in the competitive NFC West.
The franchise is at a crossroads. Gannon’s 2025 season will likely define his long-term future with the team. If the Cardinals fail to make significant strides next year, it’s hard to imagine him keeping his job long-term. A season of middling results or regression could prompt the Cardinals to consider a coaching change, especially if the team is looking for a more seasoned leader to shepherd the next phase of their rebuild.
Is 2025 Really Make-or-Break?
It’s hard to imagine that 2025 won’t feel like the most crucial season for both Murray and Gannon. The Cardinals will need to demonstrate growth — not just in terms of wins, but in the development of key players and the overall team chemistry. The clock on the rebuild is ticking, and fans are growing impatient with the slow progress.
While the 2024 season was somewhat of a stepping stone, it was also a reminder that mere improvement isn’t enough. The NFL is a league where mediocrity is quickly replaced by turnover, and teams that don’t show tangible results are often left behind. For the Cardinals, the 2025 season will be the moment of truth. Will Murray prove he can be a consistent, franchise-caliber quarterback? Will Gannon showcase the coaching prowess to guide the team forward?
If they fail to do so, the franchise could find itself in a deep, painful rebuild yet again. If they succeed, Arizona could be on the verge of something greater — but only time will tell if 2025 will be a turning point or a nail in the coffin for both the head coach and the quarterback.
The pressure is on. And for the Arizona Cardinals, failure is no longer an option.