**Arizona Cardinals Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting Ruled Out for 2025 Season Due to Non-Football Injury**

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals have placed cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting on the non-football injury list, which will sideline him for the entire 2025 season. This decision was revealed in the NFL's daily transactions report on Thursday, although the team has yet to issue an official statement regarding the nature of the injury.

Murphy-Bunting's injury fell under the non-football injury (NFI) category, indicating it occurred away from an NFL facility, potentially while preparing for the upcoming season. NFI designations can sometimes lead to players forfeiting their salaries, putting Murphy-Bunting's guaranteed $7.7 million base salary for 2025 at risk. The cornerback had joined the Cardinals last offseason with a three-year, $22.5 million contract.

In his first season with Arizona, Murphy-Bunting started in 15 games, recording three interceptions and five passes defensed. He was expected to be a key starter again in 2025. However, the Cardinals were reportedly aware of Murphy-Bunting’s situation before the recent NFL draft, where they selected two cornerbacks, including Will Johnson in the second round, and a safety. Additionally, Max Melton, a second-round pick from 2024, is poised to compete for the outside cornerback position.

Murphy-Bunting, who is 27 years old, began his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a second-round draft pick in 2019. He played a crucial role in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory during his second season, securing three interceptions in four playoff games. Before his tenure with the Cardinals, he spent the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans.

Throughout his career, Murphy-Bunting has amassed 11 interceptions and 34 passes defensed in 82 regular-season games. His playoff record includes three interceptions and a fumble recovery over six games, underscoring his impact as a formidable cornerback.