Cardinals Release Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly set to release quarterback Kyler Murray, a major move that will shake up the free agent market. Tua Tagovailoa is also expected to be released by Miami if no trade is found, with the Vikings and Falcons considered leading landing spots. The Vikings are reportedly considering multiple veteran QB options while planning to release two current veterans.
The move marks a stunning turn from July 2022, when the Cardinals signed Murray to a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension. That deal, which included $160 million in guarantees, was intended to keep him in Arizona through the 2028 season. Releasing Murray will come at a significant cost for Arizona. The team is projected to take on a dead cap hit of over $54 million for the 2026 season. A pre-June 1 trade would have been more financially palatable, resulting in a dead cap charge of approximately $17.9 million. Miami faces a similar financial dilemma with Tua Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension in 2024. Releasing him could result in a record-setting dead cap hit of $99.2 million, a figure that surpasses the $85 million the Broncos absorbed when they cut Russell Wilson. The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a veteran to compete with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy missed his rookie season with a knee injury and had an inconsistent, injury-plagued second year, making the team hesitant to give him the starting role uncontested. The Atlanta Falcons' quarterback room is in flux after the team announced it will release veteran Kirk Cousins. With their 2024 top pick, Michael Penix Jr., recovering from a torn ACL, the team has a clear need for a starting-caliber quarterback.
