The Arizona Cardinals are preparing for a major reset at quarterback. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team has informed Kyler Murray that he will be released at the start of the new NFL league year next week if a trade partner cannot be found.
The move signals the end of a turbulent but at times electric era in Arizona. Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was once viewed as the franchise cornerstone after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and earning Pro Bowl honors in both 2020 and 2021.
Early in his career, Murray emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks, combining explosive rushing ability with a strong deep-ball arm. His 2020 season alone produced 37 total touchdowns and nearly 4,800 total yards from scrimmage.
However, injuries and inconsistency gradually derailed his trajectory.
Murray suffered a torn ACL late in the 2022 season, forcing him to miss significant time across both the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. Although he returned and played a full season in 2024, throwing for 3,851 yards with 21 touchdowns while rushing for another 572 yards. Arizona never fully regained the momentum of his early years.
The 2025 season proved to be the breaking point. Murray appeared in just five games before a midfoot injury ended his season, finishing with 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while posting a 2–3 record as a starter.
Backup Jacoby Brissett eventually took over and moved the offense effectively down the stretch, which only intensified questions about Murray’s long-term future with the franchise.
Financial considerations also played a role in the decision. Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022, but his contract structure made a trade difficult. Arizona already owes him $36.8 million guaranteed for 2026, with another $19.5 million set to trigger for the 2027 season.
If the Cardinals designate Murray as a post–June 1 release, the team would carry $54.7 million in dead cap but could spread that impact across the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Ultimately, Arizona appears ready to move forward with a new quarterback era under head coach Mike LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Top Suitors for Kyler Murray
Despite the messy ending in Arizona, Murray’s talent ensures he will draw serious interest around the league. At just 28 years old, teams searching for a dynamic quarterback could view him as a high-upside reclamation project.
New York Jets
The Jets may be the most obvious destination. With uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation and a roster that still features offensive weapons like Garrett Wilson, Murray could inject explosiveness into a stagnant offense. His dual-threat ability would give New York a more dynamic attack and potentially accelerate their offensive rebuild.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland recently hired offensive-minded head coach Todd Monken, who helped maximize Lamar Jackson’s MVP-caliber seasons in Baltimore. Pairing Murray with a creative offensive mind could help unlock the mobility and playmaking that made him so dangerous early in his career.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta could also make sense depending on how its quarterback situation evolves. With playmakers like Bijan Robinson and Drake London already in place, Murray would give the Falcons another athletic centerpiece capable of elevating an already talented offense.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are another intriguing possibility, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Daniel Jones’ long-term status following his Achilles injury. Head coach Shane Steichen has experience building offenses around athletic quarterbacks, most notably during his time working with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Rams
While less likely due to the divisional dynamic, the Rams cannot be completely ruled out. Matthew Stafford is nearing the end of his career, and Sean McVay has consistently shown a willingness to rebuild quarterbacks’ confidence and reshape offensive identities.
Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O’Connell has worked wonders on multiple quarterbacks who have walked through Minnesota over the last few seasons, including Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. With JJ McCarthy struggling in year one, Murray would be allowed to compete for the starting role or relieve McCarthy if he struggles. This pairing would be the most exciting of the bunch, with the talent Minnesota has on offense.
