The Arizona Cardinals have a perceived need on the offensive line at right tackle. However, that need isn’t as pressing as some might think because the Cardinals believe in Justin Murray, who started 12 games for the team in 2019.

“The way Justin Murray played took some pressure off of that,” head coach Kliff Kingsbury said at the NFL combine. “We really felt (he) did a great job and feel he will continue to get better.”

General manager Steve Keim had words of praise for him as well.

“I thought he played at a fairly high level,” he said at the combine. “But he’s a guy who not only can play right tackle, he can play inside at guard, so he brings positional flexibility as well. He’s a guy who we’re excited to have back. He worked his tail off in the weight room, did all the things (offensive line coach Sean Kugler) wanted to see in the film room so he’s a guy we think can continue to grow and get better.”

Murray can’t really go anywhere. He is an exclusive rights free agent, as he has fewer than three years credited in the league. If the Cardinals extend him a qualifying offer, which it sounds like they will, he will be back.

The Cardinals likely will not simply ignore right tackle in the offseason. Murray isn’t just being counted on to start again in 2020, but his growth might mean the Cardinals don’t pursue a big-ticket free agent to replace him. They could look to bring in a starting-caliber player, but one who would compete for the job with Murray.

So while many fans would feel disappointed if the Cardinals ended up with Murray starting at right tackle again, the team appears to be comfortable if that ends up being the case.

Gallery Winners and losers from 2020 NFL combine View 14 photos

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