The Arizona Cardinals, currently sporting a 3-12 record, find themselves out of the playoff race, grappling with challenges throughout the season, notably with their starting quarterback, Kyler Murray. After an 11-month hiatus, Murray’s return to the field provided a glimmer of hope, but the team’s offensive struggles persisted with the injury to wide receiver Marquise Brown.
Plagued by injuries and struggling on offense, the Arizona Cardinals now face the additional hurdle of playing the rest of the season without star receiver Marquise Brown.
Is the 2023–24 season over for Marquise Brown?
Marquise Brown’s 2023 season is coming to an early end due to a lingering heel injury, leading the team to place him on season-ending injured reserve ahead of impending free agency. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the news, expressing concern for Brown’s well-being and punctuating the decision’s consideration for both the player and the team.
“I’ll let you guys know, Hollywood, we’re going to put on IR. Just hasn’t been able to kind of overcome what he’s got going on so it’s the best thing for him, best thing for us, we’re gonna put him on IR.”
Brown’s heel injury has persisted for weeks, impacting his availability and performance. Despite officially missing only one game this season, his inability to practice and a series of other health issues, including a thumb injury, hamstring concerns, and illness, have taken a toll.
With Brown sidelined, the Cardinals are set to turn to Michael Wilson to fill the No. 1 receiver role. Brown’s absence adds to the challenges faced by the struggling Cardinals.
Throughout the season, Brown made 14 starts, contributing 51 receptions for 574 yards and scoring four touchdowns. The 26-year-old receiver, a 2019 first-round pick, showcased his talent and versatility over his 72-game career, accumulating 313 catches for 3,644 yards and finding the end zone 28 times. The premature end of his season raises questions about his recovery and potential impact in future seasons.
Marquise Brown’s contract details with Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown is currently operating under a lucrative four-year contract worth $11,787 million. This deal comprises a substantial signing bonus of $6,592,612 million, with a total of $11,094 million guaranteed. Brown’s average salary under this contract stands at $2,946,835 million.
Ranked as the 24th highest-paid wide receiver based on average salary for this season, Brown’s market value is estimated at $14.8 million on Spotrac. As the 2024 offseason approaches, the 26-year-old receiver is poised to become a free agent.
During the 2022 season, Brown earned $13.4 million while operating under the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. With the emerging uncertainty of unrestricted free agency in March, Brown’s financial flight and team affiliation are subjects of interest and speculation.
Share your predictions regarding the receiver’s future with the Cardinals.
