Kyler Murray’s release from the Arizona Cardinals is almost official—it can happen as soon as March 11. This move has been anticipated since the end of the 2024 season. At that point, it was clear that the team needed to see Murray step up again after his impressive signing back in 2022, but he struggled in 2025. His performance dipped, especially after running back James Conner suffered a season-ending injury early in the season.
In 2025, Murray faced injuries himself and was replaced by veteran Jacoby Brissett, who performed better. When the team chose Brissett over him, it felt like a subtle way of benching Murray. He ended up on injured reserve by early November and didn’t return.
Murray was the first overall pick in the 2019 draft and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He made two Pro Bowls and helped the Cardinals reach the playoffs in 2021 under coach Kliff Kingsbury. However, the team’s performance has declined since then, leading to the firing of coach Jonathan Gannon after a 15-36 record over three seasons.
Recent comments from Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort suggest a clear direction. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he stated that “all options are on the table” regarding the quarterback position. This lack of commitment to Murray is telling.
Ossenfort appears ready to move on from Murray’s contract. If they release him, they’ll absorb a dead cap hit of $54.7 million for 2026, but they will also shed his $19.5 million salary that would have become fully guaranteed. This move seems aimed at starting a new era for the team.
Murray is likely to attract attention from other teams looking for seasoned quarterbacks. His contract situation makes him appealing, as teams could bring him in at the veteran minimum. This flexibility could mean a fresh start for him with a new team.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Murray’s next steps. Historically, many quarterbacks have found success after being released, transforming their careers in unexpected ways. Whether this happens for Murray remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the NFL landscape is always shifting, and player movement can lead to exciting new chapters in professional football.
For more insights into team dynamics and player movements, check out reports from ESPN or explore analyses on NFL.com.
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