TEMPE, Ariz. — The Kyler Murray era in the desert is officially over. The Arizona Cardinals informed the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback they plan to release him when the new league year begins on March 11. General Manager Monti Ossenfort chose a clean slate over a massive financial headache. The Cardinals release Kyler Murray after seven turbulent seasons, leaving the former No. 1 overall pick free to sign with any team on the open market.
Murray arrived in 2019 with a Heisman Trophy and infinite hype. He delivered early. He grabbed the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and dragged Arizona to the playoffs in 2021. Then, the foundation cracked. Injuries piled up. The front office scrambled. He played just five games in the 2025 season before a foot injury ended his campaign. He finished with 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The Cardinals collapsed to a dismal 3-14 record. Ownership fired head coach Jonathan Gannon. New head coach Mike LaFleur stepped in this February and evaluated the roster. He clearly wants his own signal-caller. Arizona still owes Murray a staggering $36.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026. They decided eating that cost was better than running it back.
You could almost feel the tension lifting from the team facility. The endless debates about Murray’s leadership, his film study habits, and his durability disappear with this move. The Cardinals finally pull the plug, accepting a massive dead-cap hit to buy themselves absolute freedom.
“To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it. Godspeed.”
— Kyler Murray, Quarterback
Arizona enters Year 4 of the Ossenfort regime with maximum pressure. The front office cannot miss on their next move. Jacoby Brissett remains the incumbent bridge option. He played solid football down the stretch last year, forming a reliable connection with tight end Trey McBride and wideout Michael Wilson. But Brissett is a patch, not a foundation.
The Cardinals hold the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming April Draft. They could easily target a top rookie prospect like Alabama’s Ty Simpson. They might also explore the trade market or consider veterans like Malik Willis. LaFleur runs a timing-based, highly efficient offense. He needs a distributor who excels within the structure of the play.
For Murray, the market dictates a massive bargain for his next team. Because of the contract offset language, he can sign a one-year league-minimum deal elsewhere while Arizona foots the $35.5 million bill. Teams desperate for quarterback upside—like the Minnesota Vikings or Atlanta Falcons—will flood his agent’s phone. Murray needs a sharp offensive coordinator and a sturdy offensive line to revive his career. The talent remains undeniable. The right fit changes everything.
