Quick Read
- Arizona Cardinals announced the release of quarterback Kyler Murray on March 3, 2026, effective March 11.
- Murray was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and signed a $230.5 million extension in 2022.
- The Cardinals will incur a $54 million dead cap hit but avoid an additional $19.5 million for 2027.
- Murray finished his Cardinals tenure with a 38-48-1 record, including two Pro Bowl selections.
- Teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets are potential landing spots for Murray.
PHOENIX (Azat TV) – The Arizona Cardinals have officially announced the release of quarterback Kyler Murray, bringing an end to his polarizing tenure with the franchise. The decision, confirmed by Arizona Sports on March 3, 2026, ahead of the new league year on March 11, marks a significant reset for the Cardinals and positions Murray as one of the most intriguing free-agent quarterbacks on the market.
Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, issued a farewell message on social media platform X, expressing gratitude to supporters and regret for not being able to end the organization’s 77-year championship drought. His departure comes after a challenging 2025 season where he played only five games due to a midfoot sprain, and the team finished with a 3-14 record. The move carries substantial financial implications for the Cardinals, who owe Murray $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026, incurring a hefty $54 million dead cap hit.
Cardinals’ Costly Decision on Kyler Murray
The Arizona Cardinals’ decision to part ways with Kyler Murray was formalized on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, though his official release cannot occur until the start of the new league year on March 11. This strategic timing, first reported by Adam Schefter on X, prevents an additional $19.5 million for 2027 from triggering on March 15. Despite the financial burden of a $54 million dead cap hit, the Cardinals will still have approximately $28 million in cap space entering free agency, allowing them flexibility to rebuild.
The move signals a clear pivot for the franchise, which had invested heavily in Murray, signing him to a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with $160 million guaranteed in 2022. This extension, which famously included and later removed a controversial ‘study clause,’ represented the peak of Murray’s time in Arizona. With Murray now gone, quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who is under contract for one more season and posted a 1-11 record as a starter last year despite improved offensive production, is expected to be a primary contender for the starting role in 2026. The Cardinals are also expected to explore options in free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft to bolster their quarterback room, with names like Malik Willis and Ty Simpson being discussed as potential targets, according to SI.com.
Murray’s Tumultuous Tenure in Arizona
Kyler Murray arrived in Arizona with immense expectations as the top overall selection in 2019, quickly earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His early career showcased his dynamic dual-threat ability, leading to back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021. The team made noticeable progress under his leadership, securing a playoff berth in his third year, finishing 11-6 after a strong 7-0 start to the season.
However, Murray’s lone playoff appearance ended in a disappointing Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. His tenure was later marred by significant injuries, including a torn ACL in Week 11 of the 2022 season, which sidelined him for the remainder of that year and part of 2023. He returned for a full season in 2024, completing 68.8% of his throws for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns. The anticipated turnaround in 2025 did not materialize, as he once again spent more time injured than on the field, ultimately leading to the Cardinals’ decision to move on. Murray compiled a 38-48-1 record as Arizona’s starting quarterback.
New Horizons: Kyler Murray’s Free Agency Market
Now entering free agency, Kyler Murray presents an intriguing option for quarterback-needy teams. Given the Cardinals’ substantial dead cap hit, Murray is in a unique position to sign a more team-friendly, minimal contract, allowing him to prioritize finding the best team fit for reviving his career. NFL analysts, including Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports, suggest Murray could be an ‘underrated’ free agency option, highlighting his past ‘top 10 play’ and MVP candidate status in 2021.
Several teams are expected to show interest in Murray’s services. Organizations frequently mentioned include the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets. The Jets, in particular, may have an ‘inside track’ through defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, according to Gang Green Nation. Analysts like Tice suggest teams with aggressive play styles, such as the Vikings, could be an especially good fit for Murray’s deep ball throwing ability and athleticism, which could allow him to return to an elite level of play.
Murray’s transition to free agency underscores the high-stakes nature of quarterback contracts in the NFL, where even a massive guaranteed deal offers no absolute certainty against team performance fluctuations and injury setbacks.