GLENDALE – After reworking running back James Conner’s deal, the Arizona Cardinals are bringing back another starter that missed last season due to injury on a reworked contract. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Arizona have worked together with cornerback Seam Murphy-Bunting on a changed deal ahead of the 2026 season. Murphy-Bunting was due $7.2 million next year and had a $9.2 million cap hit.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In an effort to create more cap space this offseason, general manager Monti Ossenfort has reworked Conner and Murphy-Bunting’s contract. It is unclear how much money was saved in those deals, but regardless, the duo will return on the field for the franchise.
Dec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Murphy-Bunting returns on new deal:
The 28-year-old originally signed a three-year, $25 million contract in the 2024 offseason. Ossenfort brought him in to be a CB1 for the defense. In his first year in the desert, he appeared in 15 games and record three interceptions, five pass deflections and forced two fumbles. Murphy-Bunting led a secondary unit that was 15th in passing yards allowed.
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) reacts in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Entering his sophomore season with the club, Murphy-Bunting was eyeing to build up what he established in his first year. However, the Cardinals placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list last May for a knee injury. The six-year pro was out for the year before camps even begin. Arizona was forced to rely on rookies and second years players to fill in the role of Murphy-Bunting, which led the unit to be 24th in passing yards allowed.
Ossenfort working to bring back Murphy-Bunting illustrates how he views the former Super Bowl champion’s importance to the secondary.
The Cardinals released DL Dalvin Tomlinson, creating $14 million in cap space
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
