Cardinals Inform QB Kyler Murray of Release at Start of New League Year
The Arizona Cardinals have officially ended the Kyler Murray era, with the team informing Murray of his release at the beginning of the new league year, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Murray, who was set to earn $36.8 million in guarantees for the 2026 season, will likely play the upcoming year for the veteran minimum, similar to Russell Wilson joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 after his release from the Denver Broncos.
In a heartfelt message to Cardinals fans, Murray expressed his gratitude for the support and kindness he and his family received during his time in Arizona. He acknowledged his desire to end the team's 77-year drought and apologized for falling short of that goal. Despite the challenges, Murray remains optimistic, stating, 'I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever's next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it.'
Murray's release was a gradual process, with the sentiment in Arizona shifting towards questioning his value after the 2024 season. The quarterback struggled to maintain consistent performance, especially after losing running back James Conner to a season-ending injury early in the 2025 season. Murray's own injuries further impacted his play, leading to his replacement by veteran backup Jacoby Brissett, who performed better under center. The Cardinals' decision to bench Murray, citing his foot injury, marked a significant turning point in his tenure with the team.
As the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, Murray had a successful rookie season, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year and making two Pro Bowls. He led the Cardinals to a wild-card appearance in the 2021 season under former coach Kliff Kingsbury. However, the team has struggled since, firing coach Jonathan Gannon in January after a 15-36 record in three seasons. The Cardinals' general manager, Monti Ossenfort, indicated that all options were on the table regarding the quarterback position at the NFL Scouting Combine, suggesting a potential split with Murray.
Ossenfort's decision to release Murray is strategic, aiming to shed the $19.5 million salary and the $54.7 million dead cap hit for 2026. This move allows the Cardinals to move on from Murray's chapter and begin a new era. Murray, on the other hand, will be an attractive option for teams seeking experienced starters, with his affordable veteran minimum contract making him a desirable choice.
