Cardinals Release Kyler Murray
Arizona Cardinals informed QB Kyler Murray he'll be released at the start of the new league year, making him a free agent. The move officially ends Murray's tenure with the franchise and marks a pivotal shift for both player and team. Multiple sources confirm the release will occur next week.
The move is a significant financial reset for the Cardinals, who will absorb a dead cap hit of over $54.7 million in 2026. Murray is still owed $36.8 million in guaranteed money for the upcoming season, which means his new team will likely be able to sign him for the veteran minimum salary. Murray's seven-year tenure in Arizona, which began as the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, included an Offensive Rookie of the Year award and two Pro Bowl selections. He leaves the franchise ranked third in total passing yards with 20,460 and third in passing touchdowns with 121. Despite individual accolades, the team's success was limited, with only one playoff appearance—a Wild Card loss in 2021. The Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record, leading to the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon. Injuries have been a recurring issue for Murray. A torn ACL ended his 2022 season, and a foot injury limited him to just five games in the most recent campaign before he was placed on injured reserve. In his absence, veteran backup Jacoby Brissett found more success with the offense. With the third overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft, the Cardinals are positioned to select a new franchise quarterback under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Top prospects expected to be available include Cam Ward of Miami and Shedeur Sanders of Colorado. Several teams are considered potential landing spots for Murray. The Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets have been highlighted as teams in need of a veteran quarterback who could benefit from Murray's dual-threat abilities.
