Kyler Murray’s Cardinals future in limbo as offseason decision looms
The Arizona Cardinals made a big decision this week regarding Kyler Murray. Now, another decision awaits – one that will impact the future of the quarterback and the franchise.
The Cardinals must decide by this offseason whether to try to trade Murray, release him or pay an additional $19.5 million in guaranteed money that becomes due on the fifth day of the new league year in mid-March.
Arizona and Murray should have in-depth discussions to determine whether they should move forward together or go their separate ways. Many sources believe the latter outcome is likely, with one saying this week that “a separation is imminent.”
But there’s a lot of time, and a lot to play and figure out, before either side gets to that point. For starters, Murray was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with a midfoot sprain, ensuring he’ll miss at least four games while Arizona starts Jacoby Brissett at quarterback.
This is another opportunity for Brissett, who some around the league believe has run the Cardinals’ offense at a higher and more efficient level than Murray.
With Brissett starting at quarterback this season, the Cardinals went 1-2, averaging 25.7 points and 357 yards per game. With Murray starting, the Cardinals are 2-3, averaging 18.8 points and 288 yards per game.
Of course, these are just some of the numbers; financial factors are also likely to have an impact on this situation. As of now, Murray is guaranteed $36.8 million next year — his base salary for 2026 and a large portion of his roster bonus.
A key trigger date looms on the fifth day of the new league year, in mid-March, when $19.5 million of Murray’s 2027 base salary will be guaranteed if he’s still on the roster.
If the Cardinals released him before June 1, they would take on a dead cap hit of $57.7 million. If they release him after June 1, that dead money would be split into $50.5 million in 2026 and $7.2 million in 2027.
If the Cardinals traded Murray, they would create $35.3 million in cap savings while leaving behind $17.9 million in dead money.
Another point that some in the NFL also find relevant is that neither general manager Monti Ossenfort nor coach Jonathan Gannon were with the organization when Murray was drafted or signed his contract extension.
But some around the league are also wondering whether Murray could become this year’s version of Russell Wilson and Daniel Jones, on a team that doesn’t want to expose itself to having its quarterback get injured and lock up guaranteed money going forward.
During his final press session on October 1, Murray was asked about the Cardinals’ new training facility that is expected to open in 2028.
“I hope I’m here to see it,” he said.
Murray is eligible to return in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams on December 7. Gannon said placing Murray on injured reserve was a collective decision between the Cardinals and the quarterback, as well as his representatives, adding that it was the best thing to do for the player and the team.
“He’s fully committed,” Gannon said Wednesday. “Right now he’s going to focus on his health. He’s not fit enough to play. He needs to be healthy so he can start playing football again.”
