GLENDALE — Kyler Murray’s future with the Arizona Cardinals is now clear: the team will be moving on from him at the start of the 2026 season.
Sources: Cardinals have informed QB Kyler Murray that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade between now and then.
Arizona already owes him $36.8M guaranteed in 2026, and another $19.5M would have triggered on March 15 for… pic.twitter.com/AT5oLDnr5L
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to throw against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Cardinals have informed Murray that they plan to release him on the first day of the new league year unless a trade is completed beforehand.
Originally the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray will become one of the most high-profile free agents this offseason if Arizona follows through. The announcement comes as the team reshapes its roster under new head coach Mike LaFleur, seeking to move past a turbulent stretch marked by injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches his team from the sidelines as they play the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Arizona already owes Murray $36.8 million fully guaranteed for the 2026 season, and an additional $19.5 million of his 2027 salary would have become fully guaranteed on March 15 if he remained on the roster. By releasing him before the new league year begins, the Cardinals can limit long-term financial risk, even though the move will still result in a sizable dead-cap charge.
Murray has spent seven seasons in the Valley of the Sun but has struggled to stay on the field in recent years, missing significant time due to injuries. Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett started in his place during parts of the 2025 season.
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Over his career with Arizona, Murray averaged about 2,900 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 450 rushing yards per season, according to StatMuse.
With a clear plan in place regarding the quarterback position, the Cardinals’ next step is determining who will replace Murray before the start of the 2026 season.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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