Kurt Warner Breaks Down Cardinals QB Battle: Brissett vs Murray

Warner's Unique Perspective on the Cardinals' Quarterback Situation

Former NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner has provided valuable insights into the Arizona Cardinals' current quarterback dilemma, comparing Jacoby Brissett's recent success with Kyler Murray's inconsistent performance. With Warner's unique experience as both a backup who became a starter and a starter who was eventually benched, his analysis carries significant weight in evaluating the Cardinals' options.

Brissett's Success: A Better Fit for the Current Offense

Warner begins by acknowledging that Jacoby Brissett is "a good player, he's always been a good player" and that his performance since taking over has been consistent with his established capabilities. Unlike an unproven rookie stepping in, Brissett has long been recognized as one of the league's better backup quarterbacks.

"The first thing we have to do is recognize that Jacoby's good," Warner told The Arizona Republic. "Jacoby's a good player, he's always been a good player. And it hasn't been any different since he's taken over."

Warner highlights a key difference in playing style between the two quarterbacks. Brissett prefers to play within the offensive structure, while Murray tends to be more of a "first-read type guy" who creates plays with his legs. This fundamental difference affects how the offense appears on the field.

"It makes sense with Jacoby (who) can do that at a high level, that the offense in-structure looks better than it does with Kyler (who) is more of a first-read type guy," Warner explained. "First-read, checkdown. First read, take off and create. More so than working to two, three and four and working deep into his progressions."

Under Brissett's leadership, the Cardinals' play-action rate has jumped from 25.1% to 39.7%, and the offense has been able to involve receivers Michael Wilson and Zay Jones more effectively. Warner attributes this to Brissett's willingness to work through his progressions rather than immediately scrambling.

"Let's say at most it's 50% that you can throw it to your first read," Warner said. "So that leaves 50% of the game where you've got to work through your progressions. Just because they cover up number one doesn't mean there's not a good option and an open option and something that's easier than running around and creating a play."

Murray's Struggles: Consistency Issues

p>Despite Murray's exceptional athletic ability and moments of brilliance, Warner points to consistency issues that have prevented him from reaching his potential. The former MVP candidate has struggled to recreate the rhythm that made him one of the league's most dynamic players.

"With Kyler, it's more about consistency of going through his progressions and seeing things on schedule, letting the offense work for him," Warner stated.

p>Warner questions whether Murray's playing style—relying heavily on his athleticism to create plays—is sustainable in the long term. He notes that Murray has taken a sack on 27.6% of his pressures this season, compared to Brissett's 20.6%.

"If you're gonna try to make 13 or 14 plays a game by being creative and running around, you're just not gonna be very successful in that world," Warner said. "You'll make a couple, but it'll be lead to sacks, it'll lead to negative plays, it'll lead to missed opportunities."

Trade Value: Will Teams Take a Chance on Murray?

If the Cardinals decide to move on from Murray this offseason, Warner believes there will be interest due to his undeniable talent. However, teams will need to answer three key questions:

1. "How many more years can he play that way?"
2. "Was it something in Arizona that stopped him from being able to push that next limit?"
3. "Do we think that we can take him and grow him in those areas so we can bring all that unique talent out?"

Warner acknowledges that the first chapter of a quarterback's career doesn't always tell the full story, pointing to successful reclamation projects in Tampa Bay, Seattle, and Indianapolis as examples.

Financially, cutting Murray would result in a $54.7 million dead cap hit for the Cardinals. However, finding a trade partner would significantly reduce that financial burden, with Murray's new team assuming the majority of his 2026 salary.

The Cardinals' Crossroads

As the Cardinals evaluate their quarterback situation, Warner's analysis suggests that Brissett may currently be the better fit for their offensive scheme. However, the long-term question remains whether Murray's unique talents can be fully harnessed with the right coaching and system.

With playoff hopes still alive under Brissett's leadership, the Cardinals have time to evaluate both options as they plan for their future at the game's most important position.