Cardinals TE Trey McBride confident Kyler Murray's 'capable of an MVP season' in 2024 

Are the stars beginning to align in Arizona by virtue of Kyler Murray‘s healthy offseason?

Cardinals tight end Trey McBride added to the ongoing buzz in the desert during an appearance on NFL Network’s The Insiders Tuesday, saying he’s confident Murray can return to MVP form in 2024 based on his experience with the star quarterback during the club’s offseason program.

“McBride said, “I’m in my third year with him and he appears more driven than ever. He’s the type of person who unites everyone, we’re practicing every weekend, and gathering everyone together. He’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave the building. He’s one of those individuals who does everything correctly.”

I’ve never seen him this confident before. This is our first year together where both of us are completely healthy. I believe everything is moving in a positive direction. With the bunch of tools he has at his disposal, I am fully confident that he has the potential for an MVP season.

It wasn’t all that long ago Murray proved he has MVP-caliber talent. That 2021 season was hamstrung by a midseason injury to the Cardinals QB, which halted Arizona’s 7-0 start, and Murray and the playoff-bound Cardinals never were able to recapture the magic. Those struggles bled into their follow-up campaign until Murray’s season-ending ACL tear put an end to a four-win season which ultimately resulted in a regime change in Arizona.

Following his knee injury, Murray spent the subsequent offseason in rehab and only managed to rejoin his team in Week 10 of the 2023 season. He started in the remaining eight matches, throwing for 1,799 yards and contributing 13 total touchdowns (10 passing, three rushing), which tripled Arizona’s win count, resulting in a 3-5 record. Despite his improved performance towards the end of the season, the Cardinals have yet to secure consecutive wins since their undefeated streak at the beginning of Murray’s most successful season start in 2021.

In 2023, despite another disappointing year in Arizona, McBride’s development as a receiver shone through, leading the Cardinals in receptions (81) and receiving yards (825) in his second season. The former second-round pick is optimistic that Murray is well-positioned for a strong comeback in 2024, given the offensive assets available to him.

“There’s just so many different weapons,” McBride said. “We have so many different guys on this team, so many different guys that can make plays. We drafted Marvin (Harrison) fourth overall — he’s a freak of nature. He’s a guy that’s going to take a lot of coverage. Then you got guys like (Greg) Dortch, Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, myself, James Conner — there’s so many guys that can be explosive and make plays in this offense. I’m just eager to get out on the field and see how the coaches utilize us all.”

McBride’s confidence in the offense is further bolstered by the fact that Murray has a year’s experience with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s system, going into 2024.

“He’s an exceptional coach,” he stated. “His ability to strategize against defenses and create opportunities for players is impressive. His game calling and offensive strategies are very promising. You can always predict his actions and, as Kyler mentioned, he’s an incredibly intelligent coach. He’s a genius. I find it amazing how he can create openings for so many players in varied ways. It’s enjoyable playing under his guidance.”

NFL Network’s Judy Battista lists Murray as an early dark horse MVP candidate for the 2024 season, and the Cardinals’ outlook will no doubt be based on how he performs with a major knee injury now behind him. McBride is doing his part to be a contributor to Murray’s resurgence, which would quickly upgrade Arizona from sleeper to contender this upcoming season.

“McBride opined, “I believe we are a strong, physical football team that can’t be easily discounted. We don’t receive the respect we are due, in my opinion. However, being underestimated is advantageous as we are not under any big expectations. I believe we possess a superb team and an excellent offense. I am extremely eager to see the progress this team can make this year.”