The Arizona Cardinals have lost a pro for the entire year, months before their first competitive game. Sean Murphy-Bunting’s injury apparently also influenced their draft strategy.

The news caused wide eyes and open mouths in the NFL world. Sean Murphy-Bunting was placed on the NFL’s non-football injury list on Thursday. This means that the Arizona Cardinals cornerback will miss the entire 2025 season.

The injury that has sidelined the second-round pick in the 2019 draft is not known. As a result of the move, which the Glendale franchise has not yet officially announced, Murphy-Bunting will be placed on the reserve list and will not block a spot on the 90-man roster, according to ESPN and the Associated Press.

It is also unclear whether he will lose his salary for this year. After stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom he won Super Bowl LV, and the Tennessee Titans, Murphy-Bunting signed a three-year contract with the Cardinals in 2024, which would have earned him just under $7.7 million in base salary this season.

Last season, the 27-year-old played 15 games, recording 52 tackles, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and five passes defended. He set his season highs in forced fumbles and interceptions.

Cardinals pro misses entire season: Is a new cornerback on the way?

According to ESPN reporter Josh Weinfuss on “X,” the Cardinals were aware of Murphy-Bunting’s injury prior to the draft. This also influenced their picks, as the franchise selected two new cornerbacks: Will Johnson in the second round and Denzel Burke via compensatory pick in the fifth round.

Now the Cardinals are forced to integrate young cornerbacks more quickly than planned. However, the franchise is also considering signing an experienced free agent for the position.

Still without a team for this season are Stephon Gilmore, Eli Apple, Rasul Douglas, Shaquill Griffin, and James Bradberry, among others. The latter missed the entire season with the Philadelphia Eagles due to a torn Achilles tendon, but wants to be ready to play again for the Organized Team Activities (OTAs).