Who is Cardinals Biggest X-Factor?

The Arizona Cardinals have a handful of names that could claim that title.

The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2023 season with a roster - and coaching staff - that looks much different than last year's squad. 

In the short-term, that might not yield successful results. Yet after a 4-13 finish to the 2022 campaign, swift changes were needed. Thus far, the future looks bright under new general manager Monti Ossenfort thanks to his assortment of draft capital and salary cap space. 

There's been a handful of key departures this offseason, though the Cardinals still retain a handful of players that can easily leave their mark and change the outcome of games. 

When it comes to evaluating potential x-factors, safety Budda Baker is one of the names that first comes to mind. Baker's relentless mentality between the lines has made him a fan-favorite, and his resume of All-Pro and Pro Bowl appearances speaks for itself. 

Yet when deciding who the biggest x-factor in the desert was, Bleacher Report opted for quarterback Kyler Murray. 

"When healthy, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has shown he can be a Pro Bowler. However, he's currently recovering from the torn ACL that he suffered last December," said Kristopher Knox.

"Murray's ability (or inability) to come back early and perform at a high level will shape Arizona's 2023 season. If the Cardinals spend the bulk of the season with Colt McCoy under center and/or get underwhelming quarterback play across the board, they could make drastic changes in 2024."

A variety of factors in 2023 could determine if he's on the roster moving forward - most notably his health and how he handles a completely different offense. 

However, Murray has flashed the talent that made him the No. 1 pick time and time again. Especially as a mobile quarterback, Murray has a strong argument to be the team's biggest x-factor. 

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