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Let's not pretend like the Arizona Cardinals weren't a dumpster fire last year.

If you're reading this, you already know the story: Arizona went 4-13 last season, resulting in a new coaching staff and front office. It felt like nothing could go right for the Cardinals - on or off the field. 

The organization has since moved forward, largely in the right direction under new general manager Monti Ossenfort, who has positioned the team nicely for the future with several of the moves made throughout the offseason. 

Part of that process was shedding some money off the salary cap and not overpaying players, which ultimately resulted in the Cardinals losing their top two free agents in Byron Murphy Jr. and Zach Allen. 

While Allen received a three-year, $45.75 million deal with the Denver Broncos, Murphy's contract with the Minnesota Vikings was a bit less lucrative at two years and $17.5 million. Certainly not a bad paycheck - though Murphy was projected to see a little more dough. 

Recently speaking with Vikings reporters, Murphy didn't have exactly glowing reviews of his former team:

"Last year, (was the) first time (of me) actually getting injured, sitting out that many games, kind of brought me back to reality," Murphy said. 

"I’m here, I’m doing all those things. (I’m) just happy to get away from that situation. Always thankful for that team, coming from there, but I’m just here now. Excited, and happy, this is just better for me. Everything is better."

The Cardinals' troubles on the field from 2022 spilled into this offseason, primarily when the NFLPA's anonymous players report card was released and the team received poor/failing marks in nearly every single category. 

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