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.
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
