In the NFL, sometimes the smallest roster moves send the biggest messages. The Arizona Cardinals’ decision to sign a practice squad quarterback in the final weeks of a lost season might seem trivial, but for Kyler Murray, it could be a sign that his time in the desert is running out. Though the Cardinals are out of the playoff picture, they are still busy organizing their squad.

“We have made the following roster moves,” posted the Arizona Cardinals on their official X account. “Activate DL L.J. Collier from IR, – Sign QB Logan Woodside to practice squad, – Release S Patrick McMorris from practice squad.”

Even with their playoff fate sealed, the Cardinals’ late roster shuffle was driven by timing and necessity, not optics. L.J. Collier’s activation came on the final day of his IR return window, giving Arizona a chance to evaluate him on the field rather than shut him down. Meanwhile, Logan Woodside fills an immediate quarterback depth gap after the departure of Kyler Murray, with a season-ending foot injury.

L.J. Collier’s return is great news for the Cardinals, as the DL has been on IR since the Panthers’ game in Week 2. While the NFL season is wrapping up soon, his presence will strengthen the defense for the last couple of games.

Besides the defensive end, former Steelers QB Woodside was on the Steelers‘ practice squad before getting released in mid-October. They also have Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis as QBs. However, based on the recent speculations around Murray’s future at the Arizona Cardinals, this move could further strengthen rumors of a departure.

Kyler Murray’s uncertain future faces further uncertainty

Rumors of Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals parting ways are flying high. However, NFL executives believe that things may not go as planned, especially after the Cardinals’ HC gave up on him for the season.

“He wasn’t progressing in a way that we wanted, so we went and got a different opinion, some different people, and (the foot) is just not right,” said Jonathan Gannon via the Arizona Cardinals official site.

The quarterback has missed the season after HC Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Murray’s 21-day window won’t be opened this season. Murray failed to progress as Jonathan Gannon had hoped. It marks the second time in three seasons the QB has missed a big portion of the season. Last time, it was an ACL injury in 2023, which limited his playing time.

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The uncertainty around the Cardinals quarterback has grown dense, leaving fans, analysts, and even those closest to the franchise guessing. With Jacoby Brissett now set to handle duties through 2026, Murray’s long-term place in the desert appears increasingly fragile. Even a Cardinals legend who spent time with him spoke about how the situation was confusing.

“I have no clue,” Larry Fitzgerald admitted when asked about Murray’s future. “I literally have zero clue and I hope the right answer is found out in the near future.”

Fitzgerald spent two seasons catching passes from Murray before quietly stepping away from the game.

Multiple NFL franchises, such as the Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and the Las Vegas Raiders, will be going for quarterbacks in the new season. That being said, there has been no confirmation yet. The Cardinals’ best choice seems to be the Minnesota Vikings, who could go for him if they trade away QB J.J. McCarthy. Unfortunately, McCarthy’s recent form may keep him in Minnesota.

As the Cardinals close out the season, the focus has quietly shifted from results to direction. With Murray‘s future unresolved and Jacoby Brissett holding the reins, Arizona is clearly evaluating every option on the board. In that context, even a low-key move like adding Logan Woodside carries weight. How he fits, adapts, and earns trust over the final weeks could influence how aggressively the Cardinals reshape their quarterback room this offseason. For a team searching for answers, these final games may offer more clues than conclusions.