GLENDALE – With Wednesday marking the beginning of the new league year, the Arizona Cardinals officially release quarterback Kyler Murray, making him a free agent. Ever since the end of the 2025 season, Murray’s departure from the franchise was obvious, with owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort dancing around every discussion surrounding the two-time Pro Bowler.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The announcement of Murray’s release came with a statement from Ossenfort about the former first overall pick’s impact for the Cardinals.
May 19, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray attends the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Ossenfort on the release of Murray:
A two-sentence goodbye seems a fitting end to the ugly breakup between Murray and the organization. Since contract negotiations in 2021, the relationship between the 28-year-old and the franchise has been rocky. The famous video-game clause in Murray’s contract illustrated Arizona’s view of Murray that became a constant throughout these last four seasons.
Even after returning from an torn ACL and falling just short of the playoffs in 2024, Murray’s status with the Cardinals didn’t seem permanent. Making the decision the next year unsurprising, as the franchise elected to keep Jacoby Brissett as the starter over Murray, despite reports of him being healthy.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
It’s unconfirmed who made the decision to bench Murray. However, since the season end, Murray has posted thank you and goodbyes to former head coach Jonathan Gannon, fans and teammates. No mention of Ossenfort or Bidwill, which could make people speculate.
Regardless of a secret beef amongst the parties involve, the drama is over and Murray is free to sign anywhere he pleases. ESPN’s Adam Schefter predicts the Minnesota Vikings are the overwhelming favorite to sign the former Heisman winner. The 2026 season will be an interesting one to watch to see how the Cardinals, who are 5-25 without Murray, turn out and how the seven-year pro plays in a new environment.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
