Cardinals Reveal Why They Cut Colt McCoy
The Arizona Cardinals took the football world for a ride on Monday by releasing quarterback Colt McCoy.
The move came just minutes after Kyler Murray was reportedly going to remain on the PUP list, leaving the Cardinals without their franchise quarterback for at least the first four games of the season.
McCoy and rookie fifth-round pick Clayton Tune were considered the two frontrunners for the season opener when the team played the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field. McCoy took majority of reps with the starters through both training camp and preseason play.
McCoy - who did not play in Arizona's preseason finale vs Minnesota - was hindered by his age and durability in the competition. He played just four drives in the preseason and had multiple scheduled "off" days where he didn't throw during camp.
When meeting with reporters shortly after the news broke, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon cited overall body of work and production as to why McCoy was released.
"Just like with every decision, you look at the full body of work. [We] Evaluate our guys, production goes into that and felt like it was the best decision for the team to move forward with the guys that we have in the room to help win us a football game," said Gannon, who mentioned McCoy handled the news "like a pro".
McCoy attempted just 12 passes in the preseason but reportedly did not have a great outing during the team's joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings.
Now, Tune will battle against the newly acquired Josh Dobbs for the starting job. Gannon said they wouldn't name a starter due to having a "competitive advantage" but it appears they have somebody already in mind.
"I think we got a plan in place, but I want to see them both play football still. This week we've got some work and then the following week we got some work, but I feel good with where we're at."
The Cardinals play Washington on Sunday, Sept. 10.
