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Sean Murphy-Bunting

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Sean Murphy-Bunting
refer to caption
Murphy-Bunting in 2023
No. 23 – Arizona Cardinals
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1997-06-19) June 19, 1997 (age 27)
Macomb, Michigan, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Chippewa Valley (Clinton Township, Michigan)
College:Central Michigan (2016–2018)
NFL draft:2019 / round: 2 / pick: 39
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 6, 2024
Total tackles:267
Sacks:1.0
Forced fumbles:6
Fumble recoveries:2
Pass deflections:31
Interceptions:9
Defensive touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Sean Murphy-Bunting (formerly Bunting, born June 19, 1997) is an American professional football cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL).[1] He played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas.

Early life

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Murphy-Bunting attended and played high school football at Chippewa Valley High School.[2]

College career

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Murphy-Bunting played three seasons for the Chippewas, starting his sophomore and junior seasons.[3] As a sophomore, he recorded five interceptions, which finished second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).[4] As a junior, Murphy-Bunting recorded 37 tackles and two interceptions and was named first team All-MAC0.[5] He decided to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the 2019 NFL Draft.[6]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+3⁄8 in
(1.84 m) 		195 lb
(88 kg) 		31+3⁄4 in
(0.81 m) 		9+5⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 4.42 s 1.51 s 2.59 s 4.20 s 6.89 s 41.5 in
(1.05 m)		 10 ft 6 in
(3.20 m)		 14 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[7][8]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Murphy-Bunting in the second round (39th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. He was the fourth cornerback drafted in 2019 and was the first of two cornerbacks drafted by Tampa Bay, with the other being third round pick (94th overall) Jamel Dean.[9]

2019 season

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On May 9, 2019, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Murphy-Bunting to a four-year, $7.37 million contract that included $4.21 million guaranteed upon signing and a signing bonus of $3.38 million.[10]

Throughout training camp, he competed for a role at starting cornerback against Vernon Hargreaves, Ryan Smith, and Jamel Dean.[11] Head coach Bruce Arians named Murphy-Bunting as a backup and listed him as the fifth cornerback in the depth chart to begin the season, behind starters Carlton Davis and Vernon Hargreaves III and second team cornerbacks Jamel Dean and M. J. Stewart.[12]

On September 8, 2019, he made his professional regular season debut, but appeared mainly on special teams during a 17–31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. On October 6, 2019, Murphy-Bunting had four combined tackles (three solo) and made his first career interception off a throw by Teddy Bridgewater that was intended for running back Alvin Kamara as the Buccaneers lost 31–24 at the New Orleans Saints.[13] The following week, he earned his first career start as a nickelback during a 26–37 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 6. In Weeks 9 and 10, Murphy-Bunting started at outside cornerback in place of Carlton Davis who injured his hip during pregame warmups prior to kickoff. He performed well enough to supplant Vernon Hargreaves at starting cornerback when Davis returned in Week 11 and Hargreaves would go on to be released on November 12, 2019.[14] [15] In Week 13, Murphy-Bunting recorded a season-high two pass deflections and made a critical fourth quarter interception by rookie Gardner Minshew in the Buccaneers' end zone to end a 28–11 win at the Jacksonville Jaguars.[16] On December 15, 2019, he had a team-leading and season-high eight solo tackles, made one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by rookie David Blough to return it 70-yards for his first career touchdown during a 38–17 win at the Detroit Lions.[17] The following week, Murphy-Bunting had four solo tackles, one pass deflection, and had his first career sack on Deshaun Watson, causing a fumble during a 23–20 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 16.[18] He finished his rookie season in 2019 with a total 44 combined tackles (37 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, one touchdown, a sack, and one forced fumble while appearing in all 16 games with ten starts.[19] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[20]

2020 season

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He entered training camp slated as starting cornerback. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles retained Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis as the starting cornerbacks to start the season. Murphy-Bunting elected to change his jersey number from No. 26 to No. 23. He cited No. 23 to be a nod to NBA great Michael Jordan as well as being a nod to his family that consists of two younger brothers and three older brothers.[21] Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis returned as the starting cornerback tandem to kick off the regular season.[22]

Murphy-Bunting (#23) playing in Wild Card Playoff game against the Washington Football Team.

On November 20, 2020, Murphy–Bunting recorded six combined tackles (three solo), a pass deflection, and had his first interception of the season off of a pass by Daniel Jones intended for wide receiver Golden Tate in the fourth quarter of a 25–23 win at the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.[23] In Week 11, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles (five solo) as the Buccaneers lost 24-27 to the Los Angeles Chargers. He finished the 2020 NFL season with 70 combined tackles (51 solo), one interception, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 16 games and 13 starts.[24]

2020 NFL playoffs
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the 2020 NFL season second in the NFC South with an 11–5 record and earned a Wildcard berth. On January 9, 2021, Murphy-Bunting started in his first career playoff appearance and had two combined tackles (one solo) and intercepted a pass by Taylor Heinicke intended for wide receiver Terry McLaurin as the Buccaneers defeated the Washington Football Team 31–23 in the Wild Card Round.[25] On January 17, 2021, he made five solo tackles, two pass deflections, and picked off a pass attempt by Drew Brees while covering Michael Thomas and returned it 37-yards during a 30–20 win at the New Orleans Saints in the AFC Divisional Round.[26] On January 24, 2021, Murphy-Bunting recorded six solo tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass by Aaron Rodgers to wide receiver Allen Lazard in a 31–26 win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.[27]

Super Bowl LV
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On February 7, 2021, Murphy-Bunting started in Super Bowl LV and recorded six combined tackles (three solo) and a pass deflection as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31–9 to earn his first Super Bowl Championship.[28][29] His playoff performance with three interceptions made Murphy-Bunting the first player to have an interception in each of his first three career playoff games consecutively since Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed.[30]

2021 season

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Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles retained Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis as the starting cornerback duo with Jamel Dean returned at nickelback. On September 9, 2021, Murphy-Bunting had two combined tackles (one solo) before exiting in the first quarter with an injury during a 31–29 win against the Dallas Cowboys in their home-opener. On September 13, 2021, the Buccaneers placed Murphy-Bunting on injured reserve due to a dislocated elbow he suffered in Week 1.[31] On November 22, 2021, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers activated Murphy-Bunting from injured reserve after he missed eight games (Weeks 2–10).[32] In Week 11, he racked up a season-high seven solo tackles and deflected one pass in a 30–10 defeat over the New York Giants. On December 12, 2021, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles (seven solo) as they defeated the Buffalo Bills 33–27. He finished the season with 43 combined tackles (30 solo), three pass deflections, and a forced fumble in nine games and eight starts.[33]

2022 season

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On March 30, 2022, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that head coach Bruce Arians would step down as head coach and transition into an advisory role. Subsequently, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles was promoted to head coach. Throughout training camp, Murphy-Bunting competed against Jamel Dean to earn a role as a starting cornerback. After a closely contested battle, Murphy-Bunting lost his role and was demoted to backup behind starters Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis.[34]

In Week 4, Murphy-Bunting had three combined tackles (one solo), a pass deflection, and also intercepted a pass thrown by Patrick Mahomes to Juju Smith-Schuster and returned it for 33-yards in a 31–41 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The following week, he exited a 21–15 victory over the Atlanta Falcons after he suffered an injury to his quadriceps and missed two games (Weeks 6–7). He returned in Week 9 and collected a season-high six combined tackles (four solo) as the Buccaneers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 16–13. After reaggravating his injury to his quadriceps, he was sidelined for two games (Weeks 13–14). He finished his last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with 31 total tackles (19 solo), two interceptions, seven passes defensed, and one forced fumble in 13 games and five starts.[35]

Tennessee Titans

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On March 20, 2023, the Tennessee Titans signed Murphy-Bunting to a one-year, $3.50 million contract that was fully guaranteed upon signing and included an initial signing bonus of $2.42 million.[10][36]

2023 season

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Throughout training camp, Murphy-Bunting competed for a role at starting cornerback against Roger McCreary.[37] Head coach Mike Vrabel named Murphy-Bunting and Kristian Fulton the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.[38] He became the first player in Titans history to wear the #0 after it was allowed beginning in the 2023 season.[39]

On September 10, 2023, Murphy-Bunting started in the Titans' season-opener and recorded six combined tackles (four solo) and forced a fumble during a 15–16 loss at the New Orleans Saints. The following week, he made three combined tackles (one solo) and set a career-high with three pass deflections as the Titans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 26–24. He was sidelined for two games (Weeks 10–11) after sustaining an injury to his thumb. In Week 14, Murphy-Bunting racked up a season-high seven solo tackles and had a pass deflection during a 16–19 loss against the Houston Texans. He was inactive for the Titans' Week 16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks after injuring his shoulder. On January 7, 2024, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles (seven solo) and intercepted a pass thrown by Trevor Lawrence to Zay Jones during a 28–20 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his lone season with the Tennessee Titans, Murphy-Bunting recorded a total of 57 combined tackles (42 solo), eight pass deflections, and two interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts.[40]

Arizona Cardinals

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On March 14, 2024, the Arizona Cardinals signed Murphy-Bunting to a three-year, $25.50 million contract that includes $17.39 million guaranteed with $14.19 million guaranteed upon signing and also included an initial signing bonus of $6.00 million.[10][41]

2024 season

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Upon signing with Arizona, Murphy-Bunting became the apparent No. 1 cornerback on the depth chart as the only experienced veteran among a young core group of players, that included second year players Garrett Williams, Kei'Trel Clark, Starling Thomas V, and Divaad Wilson as well as rookies Max Melton, Elijah Jones, and Jaden Davis.[42] Head coach Jonathan Gannon listed Murphy-Bunting and Garrett Wilson as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.[43]

In Week 3, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles (three solo) as the Cardinals lost 13–20 to the Detroit Lions. He was inactive for two games (Weeks 8–9) after injuring his neck.[44] On December 14, 2024, Murphy-Bunting gF two combined tackles (one solo), a pass deflection, and made his first interception with the Cardinals on a pass thrown by Drake Maye intended for wide receiver Kayshon Boutte as they defeated the New England Patriots 17–30.[45]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Won the Super Bowl
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Comb Solo Ast Sack Sfty PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR Yds TD
2019 TB 16 10 44 37 7 1.0 0 8 3 88 29.3 70 1 1 0 0 0
2020 TB 16 13 70 53 17 0.0 0 3 1 0 0.0 0 0 1 1 3 0
2021 TB 9 8 43 30 13 0.0 0 3 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0
2022 TB 12 5 31 19 12 0.0 0 7 2 33 16.5 33 0 1 0 0 0
2023 TEN 14 14 57 42 15 0.0 0 8 2 12 6.0 10 0 2 1 5 0
Total 53 36 188 139 49 1.0 0 21 8 121 20.2 70 1 4 1 3 0

Postseason

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Comb Solo Ast Sack Sfty PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR Yds TD
2020 TB 4 4 19 15 4 0.0 0 5 3 36 12.0 36 0 0 0 0 0
2021 TB 1 0 4 2 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 1 10 0
2022 TB 1 1 6 4 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 6 5 29 21 8 0.0 0 5 3 36 12.0 36 0 0 1 10 0

References

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  1. ^ "Roster: Sean Murphy-Bunting". buccaneers.com. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Archived from the original on May 2, 2019. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  2. ^ Petzold, Evan (March 16, 2019). "Life of an underdog: Sean Bunting operates inconspicuously to become prized NFL prospect". www.cm-life.com. Archived from the original on May 8, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  3. ^ "Sean Bunting College Stats". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on May 2, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  4. ^ "2017 Mid-American Conference Leaders". Sports Reference. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  5. ^ "Sean Bunting 2018 Game Log". Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  6. ^ Crawford, Kirkland (April 26, 2019). "Tampa Bay Buccaneers take CMU's Sean Bunting in Round 2 of NFL draft". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  7. ^ "Sean Murphy-Bunting Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  8. ^ "2019 NFL Draft Scout Sean Bunting College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  9. ^ Yarcho, James (April 26, 2019). "Buccaneers Select Sean Bunting With Second Round Pick". BucsNation.com. SB Nation. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
  10. ^ a b c "Spotrac.com: Sean Murphy-Bunting contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
  11. ^ Scott Smith (July 7, 2019). "2019 Roster Reset: Cornerbacks". Buccaneers.com. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
  12. ^ Evan Winter (September 3, 2019). "Bucs release depth chart for Week 1". BucsNation.com. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
  13. ^ "Bridgewater's breakout lifts Saints past Bucs 31–24". www.espn.com. Associated Press. October 6, 2019. Archived from the original on October 8, 2019. Retrieved October 6, 2019.
  14. ^ Scott Smith (November 14, 2019). "Saints-Buccaneers Injury Report Nov. 14: Carlton Davis Returns to Practice". Buccaneers.com. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
  15. ^ Evan Winter (November 12, 2019). "Buccaneers release Vernon Hargreaves". BucsNation.com. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
  16. ^ "Bucs turn Foles' turnovers into touchdowns, beat Jags 28–11". www.espn.com. Associated Press. December 1, 2019. Archived from the original on December 2, 2019. Retrieved December 1, 2019.
  17. ^ "Winston throws 4 TDs, helps Buccaneers beat Lions 38–17". www.espn.com. Associated Press. December 15, 2019. Archived from the original on December 17, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  18. ^ "Texans win AFC South title with victory over Bucs". www.espn.com. Associated Press. December 21, 2019. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
  19. ^ "Sean Murphy-Bunting 2019 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  20. ^ "2019 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  21. ^ Greg Auman (August 17, 2020). "Bucs camp DB preview: Young corners, safeties prepared for the spotlight". CBSsports.com. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
  22. ^ Tyler Sullivan (September 3, 2020). "Buccaneers depth chart 2020: Tampa Bay's projected Week 1 starters after signing Leonard Fournette". CBSsports.com. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
  23. ^ "Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants – November 2nd, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2020.
  24. ^ "Sean Murphy-Bunting 2020 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  25. ^ "Wild Card – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Washington Football Team – January 9th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  26. ^ "Divisional Round – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – January 17th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  27. ^ "NFC Championship – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers – January 24th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 29, 2021. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  28. ^ Patra, Kevin (February 7, 2017). "What we learned from Buccaneers win over Chiefs in Super Bowl LV". NFL.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  29. ^ "Super Bowl LV – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 7th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  30. ^ "Sean Murphy-Bunting in elite company with playoff interception streak". Bucs Wire. January 25, 2021. Archived from the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  31. ^ Smith, Scott (September 13, 2021). "Bucs Promote Andrew Adams, Put Two on IR". Buccaneers.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  32. ^ Smith, Scott (November 22, 2021). "Sean Murphy-Bunting, Zach Triner Activated from IR". Buccaneers.com. Archived from the original on November 23, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  33. ^ "Sean Murphy-Bunting 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  34. ^ "Tampa Bay's Jamel Dean: 'Now we're seeing the total game'". AL.com. September 6, 2022. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  35. ^ "Sean Murphy-Bunting 2022 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  36. ^ Wyatt, Jim (March 20, 2023). "Titans Agree to Terms with Former Buccaneers Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting". TennesseeTitans.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  37. ^ "Titans' Sean Murphy-Bunting prefers to play outside over slot". titanswire.usatoday.com. August 5, 2023. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  38. ^ Nick Suss (August 30, 2023). "Projecting Tennessee Titans' depth chart using 53-man roster". titanswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  39. ^ "Sean Murphy-Bunting will wear No. 0 jersey for Titans". NBC Sports. April 5, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  40. ^ Nick Suss (August 30, 2023). "Projecting Tennessee Titans' depth chart using 53-man roster". titanswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  41. ^ Urban, Darren (March 14, 2024). "Cardinals Make Official Six Free Agent Additions". AZCardinals.com. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  42. ^ Craig Morgan (July 23, 2024). "5 position battles to watch at Cardinals training camp". gophx.com. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  43. ^ Darren Urban (August 5, 2024). "The First Cardinals Depth Chart of 2024". azcardinals.com. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  44. ^ "Sean Murphy-Bunting injury history". FoxSports.com. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  45. ^ "New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals - December 15th, 2024". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
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