HEADLINES

Colt McCoy

NFC West Notes: Cards, Lance, Hawks, Akers

December 28th, 2022 at 2:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

While nothing is certain yet, the Cardinals may be on the lookout for a new GM for the first time in 10 years. Steve Keim took a leave of absence earlier this month and, as of now, is not expected to be back. The Cardinals may be considering keeping their current setup — a dual-GM partnership between Adrian Wilson and Quentin Harris — on a permanent basis, Albert Breer of SI.com notes. Arizona has promoted from within to fill its GM post the past two times it opened, elevating Rod Graves in 2003 and then Keim in 2013. Bob Ferguson (1996) represents the franchise’s past outside hire for this post.

Wilson and Harris each played safety with the Cardinals, being teammates from 2002-05, and have worked in the front office for several years. Harris, the team’s VP of player personnel, has been on staff longer — since 2008, when he became a scout — while Wilson, the VP of pro personnel, enjoyed a much longer playing career. Wilson has been a Cards staffer since 2015. Harris interviewed for the Giants’ GM gig this year; Wilson interviewed with the Jaguars. Whomever lands the Arizona GM job will have some pieces to pick up after a turbulent year, and a coaching search could commence.

Here is the latest from the NFC West:

  • When the Seahawks acquired Drew Lock from the Broncos, the front office viewed him as the likely starter, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com notes. Believing they knew what they had in Geno Smith, Russell Wilson‘s backup for three seasons, the Seahawks were planning on Lock taking over. Smith’s contract — one year, $3.5MM — reflects this plan, but Pete Carroll consistently kept the former Jets second-rounder in front of Lock. While the Seahawks have faded since a surprising start, Smith made one the more unlikely Pro Bowl runs in recent QB history. The Seahawks want to re-sign him to a long-term deal.
  • Kliff Kingsbury said the Cardinals did not know about J.J. Watt‘s retirement decision beforehand. The Cardinals signed the three-time Defensive Player of the Year to a two-year, $28MM deal in 2021. Despite Watt suffering another significant injury last season, he rebounded to re-emerge as one of the league’s top D-linemen this year. Watt will pass on a chance to join a contender in free agency next year, and it appears a near-lock he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2028.
  • Colt McCoy cleared concussion protocol and will start for the Cardinals in Week 17, Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com tweets. Arizona faces Atlanta and San Francisco to close out its season. McCoy is signed to a two-year, $7.5MM deal.
  • Brock Purdy has stepped in and kept the 49ers on course. Prior to Jimmy Garoppolo‘s injury, the team was open to re-signing him. Now, the prospect of Purdy keeping the gig over Trey Lance in 2023 is starting to surface. An anonymous exec told the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora he is growing more convinced the 49ers will trade Lance and stick with this year’s Mr. Irrelevant. With Lance on a rookie contract through 2024, that would be a wild call — even given Purdy’s early form. But teams would figure to be interested in the former No. 3 overall pick — even if he has only played one full season in his five since high school.
  • Although the Rams tried to trade Cam Akers, they have turned back to him as their top running back. They should be expected to retain him in 2023, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic notes (subscription required). Akers’ career path changed when he tore an Achilles’ tendon in July 2021, but he totaled 147 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns Sunday. Next season will be a contract year for the former second-round pick.
  • Weeks after the Cardinals fired their offensive line coach, Sean Kugler, the dismissed assistant said he did not grope a female security guard in Mexico. Kugler is taking legal action against the Cardinals, whom he contends did not conduct a thorough investigation. The team released a statement (via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, on Twitter) conveying confidence the firing was for cause. Kugler worked for the Cardinals from 2019 until his November firing.

Injury Updates: Taylor, Eagles, Morse, McCoy

December 18th, 2022 at 9:56pm CST by Ely Allen

Early in Saturday’s historic loss to the Vikings, the Colts saw star running back Jonathan Taylor leave the game without tallying a single carry. Tests showed that Taylor suffered a sprained ankle, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and while it was considered “nothing major,” it was enough to keep Taylor out for the remainder of the game.

In Taylor’s absence, in-season trade acquisition Zack Moss took over as the team’s lead back, assisted by Deon Jackson. Both put forth good performances for the rest of the contest, combining for 136 rushing yards on 37 carries.

With the Colts on the brink of elimination from postseason contention at 4-9-1, it’s not very surprising that Taylor didn’t risk his long-term health to return. Now the question arises of whether or not interim head coach Jeff Saturday and company will bring back Taylor at all for the rest of the season. If there’s no hope for a playoff run, will Indianapolis want to risk the long-term health of one of its keystone players or will it ride Moss and Jackson for the rest of the year?

Here are a few more injury updates from this weekend, starting with a player who didn’t even get to make an appearance:

  • Some were expecting to see Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert return from injury this week against the Bears, but ultimately, Philadelphia did not activate him. According to Schefter, Goedert is still expected to return from the injury soon, but “it’s not expected to be until next” week’s division game in Dallas. The Eagles will be excited to have their starting tight end back after relying on Jack Stoll and rookie sixth-round pick Grant Calcaterra for the past five games.
  • The Bills continued to take hits to their interior offensive line today after starting center Mitch Morse was knocked out of the game with a concussion. Backup guard Greg Van Roten, who was already filling in at right guard for an injured Ryan Bates, moved to center following Morse’s departure with backup offensive tackle David Quessenberry filling the empty slot at right guard. There is reason for concern due to Morse’s history with concussions. Back in 2020, it was reported he had suffered his fifth career concussion. It’s unclear if he’s suffered any since then, but the extensive history of brain trauma should not be taken lightly by the Bills training staff.
  • Another team that had to dig deep into the depth chart due to concussions, the Cardinals saw quarterback Colt McCoy leave today’s loss to the Broncos with a concussion. McCoy was slated to fill in for the remainder of the season after Kyler Murray‘s torn ACL, so with McCoy out, Arizona turned to third-string quarterback Trace McSorley. McSorley struggled in the loss, completing less than 50-percent of his passes and throwing two interceptions, but the Cardinals didn’t have another option. The team recently signed David Blough off of the Vikings practice squad but did not have him available for today’s game. Already eliminated from playoff contention at 4-10, there’s no reason for Arizona to rush anyone back from injury. If McCoy cannot be cleared by their Christmas night matchup with the Buccaneers, McSorley and Blough will be in line to lead the team from under center.

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray Carted Off Field

December 12th, 2022 at 9:19pm CST by Ben Levine

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was carted off the field during Monday night’s game against the Patriots. Murray went down with a non-contact injury during the third offensive play of the game.

Murray went to the ground without getting touched during a standard scramble. The quarterback talked with trainers before getting carted off the field. ESPN’s Lisa Salters reported that Murray was “sobbing” as he was taken into the locker room (via ESPN’s Stephania Bell on Twitter).

The 25-year-old was initially deemed as questionable to return before being listed as out for the game. While it doesn’t come as much of a surprise considering the replays, there’s fear that Murray suffered a “serious knee injury,” sources told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). We’ll surely get more clarity following an MRI.

The former first-overall pick has dealt with various leg issues over the past two years. After not missing a game through his first two seasons in the NFL, Murray missed three games in 2021 thanks to an ankle issue and two games earlier this year with a hamstring injury.

After earning two-straight Pro Bowl nods, Murray has struggled a bit during his fourth season in the NFL. His 66.3 completion percentage is his lowest since his rookie campaign, and his yards per attempt and QBR are both career-lows. In his 10 starts, he’s guided Arizona to a 3-7 record while collecting 2,359 yards, 14 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He’s also added 415 yards and three scores on the ground.

Colt McCoy took over under center for Arizona on Monday night. Following a solid showing in three starts last year, McCoy was serviceable in his two starts this season, completing 50 of his 71 pass attempts for 456 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Kyler Murray Out For Week 10

November 13th, 2022 at 2:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

NOVEMBER 13: The Cardinals announced that Murray will be inactive today, so it will indeed be McCoy starting for the Cardinals. Stafford is also out for the Rams, who will turn to Wolford in a key divisional battle of the backups.

NOVEMBER 12: The Rams are likely to be without their starting signal-caller when they host the Cardinals tomorrow. Arizona could very well be in the same position, however; ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweets that Kyler Murray is in danger of missing the Week 10 matchup.

Murray is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, which, Fowler notes, he will test before the game. There is reportedly “skepticism” that he will be able to play, though. The 25-year-old is officially listed as questionable.

Murray entered the 2022 season, his fourth in the league, with significant expectations. Those were driven not only by his experience and draft status as a former No. 1 overall pick, but by his five-year, $230.5MM extension signed this offseason. That deal, in turn, came shortly after head coach Kliff Kingsbury and general manager Steve Keim were re-upped and briefly included a controversial study clause.

2022 has not gone according to plan for any member of that trio. The Cardinals sit at the bottom of the NFC West with a 3-6 record, ranking mid-pack in most offensive categories. The team’s struggles to find a rhythm prompted Kingsbury to admit last month that he could cede play-calling duties. A number of absences in the receiving corps – including DeAndre Hopkins‘ PED suspension, along with Marquise Brown‘s foot injury – have contributed to the middling production.

As for Murray himself, the Oklahoma alum sits at 12 touchdowns and six interceptions on the season. His yards per attempt average (6.0) is a career-low, as is his rating of 86.9. With 359 yards and a pair of scores on the ground, he remains productive with his legs, of course, but inconsistency in the passing game has cast even more doubt on the Cardinals’ decision to make the high-priced commitment to him.

Assuming Murray is unable to suit up, the Cardinals will turn to Colt McCoy at quarterback. The veteran is in his second year in Arizona, and made three starts last season. While a matchup pitting McCoy against Rams backup John Wolford would be unexpected for both the teams and the league, it would not take away from its significance in a division which is up for grabs entering the second half of the campaign.

Cardinals Activate QB Colt McCoy From IR

October 16th, 2022 at 12:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

OCTOBER 16: Arizona has not, in fact, cut McSorley, per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network (via Twitter). Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network adds that the team made the announcement in error and subsequently deleted it (Twitter link). So at least for the time being, the Cards have three QBs on their active roster in Murray, McCoy, and McSorley.

OCTOBER 15: The Cardinals’ preferred backup quarterback will be available for the first time this season. The team activated Colt McCoy from IR and released quarterback Trace McSorley.

McCoy battled multiple issues in the weeks leading up to the season, dealing with arm soreness during training camp before suffering a strained calf. The Cardinals brought McCoy over from the Giants last year, and that move went a long way toward snapping Arizona’s playoff drought.

Initially signed to a one-year deal in 2021, McCoy reupped with the Cards on a two-year, $7.5MM accord this offseason. The Cardinals gave the 13th-year veteran $6MM fully guaranteed, doing well to entrench McCoy as Kyler Murray‘s top backup. McSorley impressed during the preseason and has held that gig through five games, but he is not part of Arizona’s roster for the time being. It should expected, however, that the Cardinals will circle back to McSorley via a practice squad spot next week.

McCoy, 36, started three games with the Cards last season, which included McCoy-led wins over the 49ers and Seahawks. The former Browns draftee spent much of his career in Washington and was with the Giants in 2020. He completed 74.7% of his passes in those Murray fill-in starts last season. Both of McCoy’s victories as a 2021 starter came without DeAndre Hopkins, who was out due to injury for much of last season.

The Cards also promoted running back Corey Clement to their 53-man roster. Signed to Arizona’s practice squad this week, Clement will be needed to help a decimated backfield. James Conner, Darrel Williams and Jonathan Ward. Williams suffered an MCL sprain, while Conner may be sidelined for multiple games due to a rib injury.

The Cardinals also released linebacker Devon Kennard, though they have made that move before this year. Kennard, a Phoenix native, returned to the team after being released ahead of the August 30 roster cutdown. Kennard, 31, did start last week’s game and could be brought back soon. As a vested veteran, the ninth-year linebacker will bypass waivers next week. Wide receiver Javon Wims is also now on Arizona’s active roster.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/5/22

October 5th, 2022 at 6:27pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

Philadelphia Eagles

Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

A number of players who were placed on IR after the preseason and prior to the regular season returned to practice today. These players will have a three-week practice window until they have to be activated to the active roster. Otherwise, they’ll be ineligible to return this season.

One of the most surprising returns is Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton. The former undrafted free agent rode a strong preseason to a potential starting gig, but he was sidelined with second-degree burns after spilling hot oil on his legs and feet. Kliff Kingsbury previously said an early-October return may be a “little aggressive” (per ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss on Twitter), but the cornerback ended up working his way back to practice.

Cardinals Place QB Colt McCoy On IR

September 7th, 2022 at 11:27am CST by Sam Robinson

The Cardinals will begin the season without their backup quarterback. Colt McCoy landed on IR Wednesday. Arizona promoted Trace McSorley from its practice squad.

McCoy did not play during Arizona’s preseason slate. While Kliff Kingsbury said the veteran backup was dealing with arm soreness early in training camp, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets the 13th-year passer suffered a strained calf.

Although the Cardinals would hope not to need McCoy this season, given that his participation is tied to Kyler Murray‘s availability, they did need him in 2021. Making three starts for an injured Murray, McCoy helped the Cards to two wins — each over NFC West rivals — that certainly went a long way toward the team booking a wild-card berth.

Despite not seeing much time during his long-term Washington stay, the former Texas Longhorn helped the Giants to a win over the playoff-bound Seahawks in 2020. New York, however, chose to replace McCoy with Mike Glennon — which turned out to be a significant downgrade — in 2021. McCoy completed 74.7% of his passes last season, with both of his wins coming while DeAndre Hopkins was out. McCoy, who turned 36 on Monday, re-signed with the team this offseason on a two-year, $7.5MM deal.

Formerly a Ravens backup, McSorley wound up in Arizona in November 2021; the Cardinals signed him off the Ravens’ practice squad. The team used McSorley frequently during its 2022 preseason but opted to waive him. The former sixth-round pick stayed with the team on a P-squad agreement, but he will now be Murray’s primary backup. McSorley has attempted 10 career passes.

Cardinals Re-Sign Colt McCoy

March 14th, 2022 at 3:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Cardinals have made another move on offense, retaining some veteran depth at the quarterback position. The team announced on Monday that they have re-signed Colt McCoy to a two-year deal.

[RELATED: Cardinals To Re-Sign James Conner]

The 35-year-old was set to be a free agent, but will now stay in the desert. He started three games in 2021, his first campaign with the Cardinals, while appearing in eight total. He won two of those, totalling a 74.7% completion percentage, throwing for 740 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Prior to his time in Arizona, the former third rounder had also found himself in Cleveland, San Francisco, Washington and New York. Since his short-lived time as a starter in his first two seasons, McCoy has established himself as a trusted backup capable of filling in when needed.

The Cards already made some cap room by re-working the contract of o-linemen Justin Pugh earlier today. This deal likely won’t eat into much of those savings, although they will need as much flexibility as possible to have a chance at retaining Chandler Jones.

Of course, the biggest question around the team pertains to their starting QB. Kyler Murray is eligible for an extension this offseason, so how the team handles that situation will be crucial to their plans for the spring, and to the wider QB landscape. In any event, they now know who their No. 2 signal caller will be.

Giants Withdrew Colt McCoy Extension Offer

December 29th, 2021 at 10:21am CST by Sam Robinson

Colt McCoy helped the Giants stay in last year’s playoff race by quarterbacking the team to its top 2020 win — an upset over the eventual NFC West champion Seahawks. But the Giants went in a different direction at backup quarterback in 2021.

This did not always appear to be Big Blue’s plan. They made an extension offer to McCoy during the 2020 season, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, who adds another interested team was told the 35-year-old backup had planned to stay in New York. But no deal came to pass. McCoy ended up in Arizona in late March. The Giants had signed Mike Glennon 11 days earlier to be Daniel Jones‘ backup.

While the Giants offered McCoy last year, they changed their line of thinking this offseason. While the sides expected to stay in touch ahead of free agency, no offer was on the table come March. Citing Glennon’s superior arm strength, the Giants backed away from their McCoy proposal and went with the 6-foot-7 journeyman, Dunleavy adds. The Giants signed Glennon for one year and $1.37MM. McCoy, who made $2.25MM with the Giants, is attached to a one-year, $1.21MM contract with the Cardinals.

The switch has not worked out for the Giants, though the team’s 2021 plan — Glennon and, eventually, Jake Fromm — has certainly improved its 2022 draft position. The Giants are 0-4 without Jones and have lost by at least two scores in each of those games. With his sixth team in six years, Glennon has completed 55% of his passes — down from 62% in five Jaguars games last season — and has thrown four touchdown passes compared to eight interceptions. Glennon’s record as a starter is now 6-24. Glennon or Fromm will be at the helm the rest of the way for the Giants, who have shut Jones down for the season.

McCoy delivered a strong midseason stretch to help the Cardinals during Kyler Murray‘s three-game hiatus. The 12th-year veteran completed 75% of his throws and powered the Cards to two wins — over the 49ers and Seahawks — without DeAndre Hopkins. McCoy completed 61% of his throws, at just 5.7 yards per attempt, during his one-year Giants stay. Given Jones’ neck injury, the Giants will certainly look to upgrade their backup spot in 2022.

Cardinals GM Steve Keim On FAs, McCoy, Kingsbury

December 5th, 2021 at 11:44am CST by Rory Parks

The 9-2 Cardinals are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and a great deal of their success this season can be attributed to players ticketed for free agency in 2022. That includes running backs Chase Edmonds and James Conner, wide receivers A.J. Green and Christian Kirk, tight end Zach Ertz, outside linebacker Chandler Jones, and quarterback Colt McCoy.

Although the club is obviously focused on making a championship run right now, GM Steve Keim will be tasked with making sure Arizona’s window of contention doesn’t close after one year. However, it does not sound as though there will be any extensions between now and the end of the season.

In speaking about the difficulty of striking an in-season extension, Keim, during a recent appearance on 98.7 KMVP, said that such a move is possible, “[i]f we identify the guys we see as core players, and there are a lot of them with the success we’ve had, but it really is tough. A lot of times, guys want to test the market or it’s just not the appropriate time because they are so focused on football” (via Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ official website).

Keim added, “[t]here are so many moving parts to it, but there are a lot of guys we want to re-sign and make sure they remain Cardinals.”

One such player is McCoy, who has performed well this year in relief of the injured Kyler Murray. The Cards have gone 2-1 in McCoy’s three starts, thereby managing to stay atop the NFC standings, and the 31-year-old has completed over 75% of his passes for three TDs and one pick. Keim said that it is “highly important” to keep McCoy in the fold.

Meanwhile, head coach Kliff Kingsbury attracted the attention of the University of Oklahoma, and while the blue-blood collegiate program has now gone in a different direction, Keim knows what he has in Kingsbury.

“To me, it’s a compliment to our organization,” Keim said of OU’s interest in his head coach. “The guy has done a tremendous job. He and our organization have grown together. We’re really excited about the future when you look at the work he’s put in, the improvements he’s made, the improvements we’ve made with the roster.”

Urban says that, just as the Cardinals do not anticipate new deals for their top FAs before the end of the 2021 campaign, they are not presently working on an extension for Kingsbury. However, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports hears that a Kingsbury extension is a major offseason priority, and that the 42-year-old may end up with a salary near the top of the head coaching pay scale.

Load More Posts