Candidates: A star for the Arizona Cardinals responds to the team’s offseason actions: “There is no ceiling.”

When Kyler Murray walked into the Arizona Cardinals facility this spring, there was something different in the air. The quarterback — who just over a year ago was recovering from ACL surgery and wondering what kind of team he’d return to — now sees opportunity, optimism, and above all, a plan.

“This is the most confident I’ve felt going into a season,” Murray said during a recent media availability. “Not just in my body, but in what we’re building here. There’s no ceiling for this group.”

That quote has caught fire across Cardinals media, and for good reason. After a 4-13 campaign in 2023 and a 6-11 follow-up in 2024, expectations were low. But thanks to a head-turning 2025 NFL Draft class, smart free-agent additions, and the return of a fully healthy Murray, the Cardinals suddenly feel like one of the league’s most compelling sleeper candidates heading into the new season.

General manager Monti Ossenfort made bold moves to give this franchise structure. Year one under head coach Jonathan Gannon was all about culture, discipline, and breaking bad habits. Year two introduced scheme identity. Now, year three is about results.

“There’s a difference between rebuilding and rising,” Gannon said. “This team is rising.”

The Cardinals entered the offseason with multiple priorities: upgrade the receiving corps, stabilize the offensive line, find an identity on defense, and continue to build around Murray without strapping themselves financially. Somehow, they appear to have made progress on all fronts.

Arizona came into the draft with 11 total picks, including two first-rounders. The Cardinals used the No. 4 overall pick to select Marvin Harrison Jr., the electric wide receiver from Ohio State, who many experts said was the best non-quarterback prospect in the class.

“I’ve never seen someone run routes like him at his size,” said Murray. “He’s going to change games. He already has in practice.”

Pairing Harrison Jr. with Murray instantly gives Arizona a legitimate top-tier passing combo — one they haven’t had since the peak of the Larry Fitzgerald-Carson Palmer years.

But Ossenfort didn’t stop there.

At No. 23 overall, the Cardinals took Darius Robinson, a versatile defensive lineman out of Missouri known for his blend of power, motor, and leadership. Later rounds netted key pieces like Christian Mahogany (a powerful guard from Boston College), Trey Benson (an explosive running back from Florida State), and Max Melton, a playmaking corner from Rutgers.

“This class is foundational,” said one NFC West scout anonymously. “They may have walked away with four or five starters.”

Perhaps the most important development in Arizona’s offseason didn’t happen in a war room or negotiation table — it happened on the practice field, where Kyler Murray has reportedly been fully engaged, leading workouts, mentoring younger players, and embracing the organization’s vision.

When asked about Murray’s growth, Gannon didn’t hesitate.

“He’s the heartbeat of our team. He’s taken ownership in a way that you want from your quarterback.”

That’s not something you could always say about Murray. The former No. 1 overall pick has faced criticism in the past for aloofness, body language, and inconsistency. But since returning from injury, there’s been a new level of maturity. Multiple teammates say he’s “the best version of himself.”

And that’s crucial. Because if Murray plays like the former Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler he once was — only now with real help around him — Arizona might make some noise.

Besides drafting Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona also signed former Chargers receiver Josh Palmer, a sure-handed third-down target, and brought back tight end Trey McBride, who quietly broke out with 825 receiving yards in 2024.

Their backfield is a true committee, but one with upside: James Conner provides power, Trey Benson adds burst, and Emari Demercado offers shiftiness. Behind an improved offensive line anchored by Paris Johnson Jr. and free-agent signing Kevin Zeitler, the Cardinals may be able to run the ball more effectively — something that eluded them for stretches last season.

“When you give Kyler time and balance,” said offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, “he becomes one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in football.”

And with Harrison Jr. stretching the field and McBride owning the middle, this offense suddenly has spacing, flexibility, and mismatch potential.

The defense still has room to grow, but signs of identity are finally present.

Led by Budda Baker, the emotional leader in the secondary, and young star Zaven Collins, the Cardinals are shifting toward a hybrid 3-4 look that maximizes movement and chaos. Darius Robinson is expected to step in immediately as a plug-and-play pass rusher opposite BJ Ojulari, while Kyzir White and Krys Barnes stabilize the linebacker corps.

“I think we’re going to surprise people,” said Baker. “We’ve been hearing about our weaknesses for two years. That chip is real.”

Arizona also brought in Rock Ya-Sin to compete at cornerback and drafted Melton to develop behind him. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, a disciple of the Jonathan Gannon system, has reportedly simplified some coverages and focused on aggression up front.

“This year we’re going to dictate more, not react,” said Rallis.

Kyler Murray’s now-viral quote — “There is no ceiling” — isn’t just hype. It reflects a growing sentiment inside the building.

“We’re no longer hoping,” said veteran guard Will Hernandez. “We’re expecting.”

Las Vegas sportsbooks still peg Arizona as a long shot to make the playoffs, listing them with +550 odds in a stacked NFC West. But that only seems to fuel this roster’s resolve.

“We hear it all,” said Conner. “People don’t think we can compete. That’s fine. We’ll show them.”

Multiple players mentioned a desire to play for each other — a byproduct of Gannon’s culture-first approach, which has been praised even during the lean years.

“You can feel it,” said Palmer. “It’s not about stats or money. Guys are chasing wins.”

While some national analysts believe this is a make-or-break year for Kyler Murray, others point to the new contract structure and roster build as signs that Arizona is more committed than the outside world realizes.

“They could have moved on,” said one former NFL executive. “Instead, they built around him. That tells you something.”

Murray’s $230 million extension is locked in through 2028, and the front office passed on the chance to draft a quarterback with either of their first-round picks — despite rumors linking them to J.J. McCarthy and Drake Maye.

That’s not just a vote of confidence — it’s a statement.

Arizona opens the 2025 season on the road against the San Francisco 49ers, a daunting start but one that could serve as a measuring stick. Other key games include home contests against the Packers, Seahawks, and a nationally televised Week 9 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.

“You don’t get better by playing easy schedules,” Gannon said. “We’re ready for the challenge.”

Their late-season slate includes four of their final six games at home, giving them a potential advantage if they can stay healthy and in the mix by November.

Rebuilds in the NFL often fail not due to lack of effort but because of lack of alignment — between front office, coaching staff, and quarterback. For the first time in years, Arizona seems aligned.

Monti Ossenfort found his guys. Gannon instilled his culture. Kyler Murray appears reborn. And with young stars like Harrison Jr., McBride, and Robinson in the mix, the Cardinals have not just talent but a clear trajectory.

“You see teams like Houston or Detroit flip the switch,” said ESPN’s Mina Kimes. “Arizona could be next.”

Of course, it all has to translate on the field. Optimism doesn’t win games. But it’s been a while since Cardinals fans had reason to believe — and now they do.

So when Kyler Murray says, “There is no ceiling,” he’s not selling a slogan.

He’s speaking a truth this team might just be ready to prove.

• WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (1st round pick, Ohio State)
• DL Darius Robinson (1st round pick, Missouri)
• G Kevin Zeitler (free agent, Ravens)
• WR Josh Palmer (free agent, Chargers)
• RB Trey Benson (3rd round pick, Florida State)
• CB Max Melton (4th round pick, Rutgers)

The Arizona Cardinals may still be a long shot, but they’ve crossed an important threshold. No longer aimless, no longer fractured — they’re building with purpose, with unity, and with a belief led by a franchise quarterback who finally seems ready to claim that title again.

“There is no ceiling,” Kyler said.