It won’t take much searching around the league to find the team that’s expected to have the NFL’s worst record in 2023. That distinction firmly belongs to the Arizona Cardinals.
But on Monday, they somehow managed to lower expectations.
In back-to-back moves, it was revealed that quarterback Kyler Murray would remain on the PUP list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. And it could be longer as he recovers from an ACL injury. But at least they had a somewhat competent backup in Colt McCoy, right? Think again.
The Cardinals also decided to release McCoy, leaving just newly acquired Joshua Dobbs and fifth-round pick Clayton Tune as the quarterbacks on roster.
The #AZCardinals will keep QB Kyler Murray on the reserve/PUP list to begin the season, as Murray continues to recover from the ACL injury suffered late last season, sources say. He’ll be out at least the first four games, which is not a surprise.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 28, 2023
And now the Cardinals have released veteran QB Colt McCoy, per league sources.
Either veteran Josh Dobbs, whom Arizona acquired last week, or rookie fifth-round pick QB Clayton Tune will start opening day at Washington.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2023
When the Cardinals hired Jonathan Gannon as head coach to replace Kliff Kingsbury, Gannon had to know that the roster situation was looking dire in Arizona. And given the release of McCoy — who had been the first-team quarterback for all of training camp — Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort must be on the same page about looking ahead to the NFL draft. The Cardinals have Houston’s first-round pick, which could potentially line up a dream scenario of Arizona selecting No. 1 and No. 2 overall in 2024.
At this point, Caleb Williams should start checking out real estate in the Phoenix area.
The Cardinals just need to tank to make that happen. They’re not being subtle at all about it either. Just look at how NFL fans reacted to Monday’s roster moves.
This was how Twitter reacted
Cardinals tanking like General Patton https://t.co/pKWshAwj6j pic.twitter.com/5VePxaWiQ0
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) August 28, 2023
The NFL really should have implemented a lottery system this offseason.
The tanking for USC QB Caleb Williams is going to be beyond ugly.
Josh Dobbs is about to be the starting quarterback for the Cardinals.
We may see teams punt on 3rd down this season. https://t.co/Q2OaofTEea
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) August 28, 2023
Serious question: Do you think the Arizona Cardinals hired Jonathan Gannon to be the scapegoat to their obvious "Tanking" season? Secure the 1st overall pick, fire Gannon, trade Kyler Murray & get an actual qualified coach to take over w/ Caleb Williams in 2024. 🤔 #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/JbjgxOBm0p
— Austin Thomas (@Austin_Thomas18) August 28, 2023
Cardinals purposely tanking for the world to see. They need another fine and to lose picks cause starting Josh Dobbs should be against league policy
— Spirit Guide (@Aye_Rain) August 28, 2023
The Cardinals openly tanking is unbelievable https://t.co/mPBKjMEZZN
— Tom Vecchio (@Tom_Vecchio1) August 28, 2023
This is how you tank. Be awful at quarterback. Arizona isn’t even pretending they care about winning. They want Caleb Williams. https://t.co/oBCTxBl6Rf
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) August 28, 2023
The march to the No. 1 pick begins https://t.co/p5gLsJJyhI
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) August 28, 2023
Caleb Williams should buy a house in Phoenix before mortgage rates go up even further. https://t.co/xqnTbpV2x1
— Joey Knish (@JoeyKnish22) August 28, 2023
an incredible tank job is bout to take place https://t.co/sOLtgcFsf9
— aaron. (@ayroned) August 28, 2023
Just let Caleb Williams play for them this season. Give 'em a head start on 2024. https://t.co/hFV8ZesZLo
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 28, 2023
Not really hiding the fact they are in tank mode and have been all off-season. https://t.co/Afy07eBiet
— Dave Zorn (@davezorn72) August 28, 2023
caleb williams, YOU are an arizona cardinal. https://t.co/nNzBD9Lbdn
— Brandon Caldwell (@_brandoc) August 28, 2023
