Cardinals Release Kyler Murray

The move comes after Kyler Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension in 2022, which included $160 million in guaranteed money. A trade is the most financially advantageous exit for Arizona, as it would create $34.7 million in cap savings while leaving a more manageable $17.9 million in dead money. A pre-June 1 release, however, would result in a staggering $54.7 million dead cap hit for the Cardinals. If released, Murray's contract structure would allow a new team to sign him for a league-minimum salary, making him a high-value target for a playoff-contending team in need of a quarterback. This decision follows a season where Murray played in just five games before a lingering foot injury landed him on injured reserve. In that limited action, he threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Cardinals have reportedly grown frustrated, with concerns over his work ethic and leadership, and questions about whether his mobility has declined since a 2022 ACL tear. The Minnesota Vikings are a potential suitor due to uncertainty around their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, whose rookie season was hampered by injuries. However, the Vikings face one of the worst salary cap situations in the NFL and would need to clear significant space, currently sitting approximately $42-45 million over the cap. Tua Tagovailoa is in a similar contractual predicament with the Miami Dolphins after being benched in December 2025. His four-year, $212.4 million deal carries a prohibitive $99.2 million dead cap hit if he's released before June 1, making a trade the Dolphins' preferred, though difficult, option. Despite seeking a quarterback, the Cleveland Browns are considered an unlikely destination for either Murray or Tagovailoa. The financial burden of their contracts is seen as unpalatable, especially given the salary cap space already tied up in Deshaun Watson's deal.