New Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort offered an interesting message during Tuesday’s introductory news conference.
“We are going to turn over every stone to find the right players for this team,” Ossenfort said, as shared by Arthur Weinstein of The Comeback. “We are not just collecting talent, we’re going to build a team. We’re going to look for the right type of players. Ego will not be tolerated in this organization. We are going to look for focused, driven (players), and people who are willing to put the team first at every step of the way.”
Per Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ website, team owner Michael Bidwill added the franchise needs “more accountability” following the firing of head coach Kliff Kingsbury and the departure of former GM Steve Keim.
Weinstein, Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, Jacob Camenker of Sporting News, and others quickly suggested at least Ossenfort was referencing quarterback Kyler Murray.
Just last week, it was reported that an unnamed Cardinals veteran believes the organization “created a monster” by rewarding Murray with a five-year contract extension reportedly worth $230.5M with $160M guaranteed last summer.
There were rumblings at that time about Murray potentially holding out through the preseason if he didn’t receive a deal to his liking.
As Camenker mentioned, Ossenfort praised Murray’s physical abilities while speaking about the 25-year-old on Tuesday.
“I’ve seen what a healthy Kyler can do,” Ossenfort said. “I did a lot of work on Kyler coming out of Oklahoma. I know that he is extremely talented with both his legs and his arm.”
Ossenfort also echoed Kingsbury and indicated Murray won’t be ready for Week 1 of the 2023 season coming off ACL surgery that included some meniscus repair.
Along with recovering from a setback he initially suffered on Dec. 12, Murray may have to prove himself to Ossenfort behind the scenes across the spring and summer months.
