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Colt McCoy Sets 'Example,' But Kingsbury Says Backup QB Will Be Competition

Streveler will try to keep No. 2 role

When we last left the Cardinals' backup quarterback situation, Chris Streveler struggled in his lone playing time of the year in Los Angeles, Brett Hundley was inactive and a hobbled Kyler Murray eventually came back into what turned out to be a season-ending loss.

Hundley never did get back to backup status last season, losing out on the job to Streveler -- who only had CFL experience -- in training camp. It was clear the Cards would try something different this offseason, and they eventually signed veteran free agent Colt McCoy. Hundley, a free agent himself, did not return. Streveler is back, but McCoy, who has made 29 starts and thrown 989 regular-season passes in his 11 NFL years, figures to be the heavy favorite to be Murray's No. 2.

Kliff Kingsbury isn't saying that. Not yet.

"We'll have a competition but Colt has brought a great presence, there's no doubt," Kingsbury said. "His leadership, his studiousness, the respect level he commands when he steps in the huddle it is tremendous. We couldn't be more excited to have him here for two young quarterbacks who are really still developing and learning their way. One is trying to be the Face of the Franchise, one is trying to make it in the league. We couldn't have gotten a better guy to come in here and really set an example."

Given that Hundley was expected to be the easy No. 2 last season when Streveler was signed -- with Streveler perhaps filling more of a Taysom Hill-type role -- and then eventually was beaten out, perhaps it seems right for Kingsbury to tap the brakes on defining McCoy's depth chart spot right now. But again, it'll be an upset if McCoy isn't active on game days.

Either way, he should help Murray, even if the Oklahoma product knows all too well McCoy's Red River Rivalry background.

"I know Colt is a Longhorn, but so far so good," Murray said with a smile. "He's a great dude."

QB Colt McCoy throws a pass during 2021 minicamp
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