GLENDALE – It seems like just yesterday that Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray signed his five-year, $230 million contract extension. He was just coming off leading the team to its first playoff appearance since 2015 in a brutal 34-11 lost to the Los Angeles Rams. Regardless, the duo of Murray and then head coach Kliff Kingsbury looked bright, then it fell off a cliff.
Back-to-back four-win seasons, a new head coach and still haven’t had a winning record since Murray has signed his extension. Now, the 28-year-old is due for another extension during the 2026 offseason, and the franchise has a massive dilemma of whether to ride out the contract or recommit to the former first overall pick.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
ESPN’s Dan Graziano on what it’ll take for Cardinals to give extension:
“The Cardinals have a good enough season, maybe even contend for or snag a playoff spot, and stay the course with Murray through at least 2026. If Murray plays well enough, he could be in position to ask for an extension that offers him more security than his current deal.”
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The soon-to-be seven year NFL quarterback still has zero career playoff wins under his belt. The fact haunts Murray, and he mentioned while on his trip to South Korea, that it is a motivating force heading into this season. He sees the talent on the roster and is ready to make a serious push for a Super Bowl.
Murray is one of seven starting QBs next season without a playoff win, excluding rookies. Arizona has committed plenty of resources, time and money into the Kyler Murray experiment and have no significant accolades to show. The roster’s talent has been a problem over the years, but this year’s roster is arguably the most talented Murray has had in his time in the Valley.
Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cardinals do have the 27th easiest strength of schedule and play one playoff team from last year in the first 11 weeks. Murray has everything in his favor to earn his playoff win, earn his respect and earn that extension in 2026.
Cardinals get discouraging injury update on 1st-round pick Walter Nolen
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
