Cardinals Expected to Release Murray

The move comes just four years after Arizona signed Murray to a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with $160 million guaranteed. Releasing him would result in a dead cap hit of over $54 million for the Cardinals in 2026. A significant factor in the decision is a $19.5 million roster bonus for the 2027 season that would have become guaranteed if Murray remained on the roster past March 16th of the new league year. This follows a 2025 season where Murray played in only five games before a foot sprain landed him on injured reserve for the final 12 games. This wasn't Murray's first significant injury. He spent the first half of the 2023 season recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in December 2022. Since being drafted first overall in 2019, Murray has earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and two Pro Bowl selections. The relationship between Murray and the Cardinals has reportedly deteriorated, with some sources suggesting it is "broken beyond repair." This followed a 2025 season where head coach Jonathan Gannon named Jacoby Brissett the starting quarterback even before Murray's season-ending injury. Potential landing spots for the 28-year-old quarterback include the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins. Due to the Cardinals absorbing his guaranteed money, a new team could potentially sign him for a league-minimum contract, making it a low-risk, high-reward proposition. To replace Murray, the Cardinals may look to free agency, with former Titans quarterback Malik Willis being a rumored target. Other possibilities include exploring a trade for a quarterback like Justin Fields or using a draft pick on a prospect like Alabama's Ty Simpson, though the 2026 quarterback draft class is considered weak.