Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray appears ready to unleash his running abilities once again.
The former number one overall pick entered the NFL in 2019 with a reputation as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback following his remarkable junior season at Oklahoma, where he compiled 4,361 passing yards and over 1,000 rushing yards.
While that running element seemed to diminish in recent seasons, Murray now signals a return to his mobile roots.
During a recent appearance on the PHNX Cardinals podcast, Murray made it clear he plans to use his legs more frequently in the upcoming season.
“I do feel like I have to run more next year,” Murray said. “I’m open to running more next year, just because it’s such a weapon, you know, it’s such a weapon.”
Special: Cardinals star QB Kyler Murray says he wants to run the football more next season:
"I’m open to running more next year, just because it’s such a weapon."
Kyler is ready to prove all his haters wrong ?
(via @PHNX_Cardinals)pic.twitter.com/OdjOpZn6rC
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 9, 2025
Murray believes his running ability can transform the Cardinals’ offense in ways similar to how Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen impact their respective teams.
He acknowledges Arizona’s strong ground game but recognizes that opposing defenses often relax when dual-threat quarterbacks hand the ball off rather than keeping it themselves.
Looking ahead to 2025, Murray aims to execute plays with better precision and timing while incorporating more designed runs to maximize his effectiveness.
The statistics support this strategic shift. Murray’s rushing attempts have steadily declined since 2020, with the 2024 season marking his lowest usage as a runner.
For the first time in his NFL career, he averaged fewer than five carries per game last season.
This cautious approach made sense in 2023 as he returned from a torn ACL, but the continued decline raised questions about his willingness to use his mobility as a weapon.
Despite the decrease in attempts, Murray’s efficiency as a runner reached new heights last season.
The potential rejuvenation of Murray’s dual-threat capabilities could elevate both his performance and the Cardinals’ offensive production in 2025.
NEXT: Cardinals Reveal Status Of Kyler Murray For Next Season
