The Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray seem to be heading for a split. Recently, the team announced that Murray won’t return for the rest of the season. For many fans, this decision wasn’t surprising.
The Cardinals currently owe Murray nearly $40 million, fully guaranteed, for 2026. This amount could grow if he remains on the roster beyond a specific date. If they want to avoid paying even more, they need him fit by then.
Murray has struggled with a foot injury since Week 5. Even if he recovers, it might not be wise for the team to risk further injury and future payments.
This situation isn’t unique. In recent years, several NFL teams have decided to shut down their starting quarterbacks to minimize financial risk. For instance, the Raiders did it with Derek Carr, and other teams like the Broncos and Giants followed suit with their quarterbacks.
With Murray’s situation, trading him could mean the Cardinals absorbing some of his contract. If they release him, he could sign a cheaper deal with another team, similar to what Russell Wilson did.
Ultimately, this decision brings the Cardinals closer to officially parting ways with Murray. If he can’t pass a physical by the deadline, that decision might come sooner rather than later.
According to a survey by ESPN, around 65% of fans believe that team decisions on player injuries are more about finances than player health. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, teams are increasingly thinking about the bottom line, showing just how complicated the relationship between player health and business can be. This is a trend worth watching as we move deeper into this offseason.
For further insights on NFL contracts and financial strategies, you can refer to the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement.
