Kyler Murray Era Ends: Cardinals Announce Release Ahead of Free Agency

TEMPE, ARIZONA (Azat TV) – The Arizona Cardinals have officially informed quarterback Kyler Murray that he will be released at the start of the new NFL league year next week, bringing an end to his seven-season tenure with the franchise. The decision, confirmed by Murray on social media, positions the two-time Pro Bowler as a prominent free agent as teams prepare for the legal tampering period beginning March 9, 2026, and the official start of free agency on March 12.

This move is a significant development for both Murray and the Cardinals, concluding an era that began with immense expectations. The announcement, initially reported by ESPN and NFL Network, signifies a pivotal shift for a team looking to rebuild and a quarterback aiming to revitalize his career.

Kyler Murray’s Departure and Financial Impact

The Arizona Cardinals’ decision to release Kyler Murray before March 15 is primarily driven by salary cap considerations. While the team will still owe Murray a substantial $36.8 million in guaranteed money for the 2026 season, releasing him now prevents an additional $19.5 million in guarantees from triggering for the 2027 campaign, according to reports from ESPN and Yahoo Sports. This strategic move allows the Cardinals to manage their cap space more effectively as the NFL’s official salary cap for each club is set at $301.2 million.

Murray himself addressed the news on social media, confirming his impending release and expressing gratitude while also looking ahead. ‘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. Godspeed,’ Murray stated, according to NFL.com. His message conveyed both an apology for not delivering a Super Bowl to Arizona and a strong belief in his future potential.

A Look Back at Murray’s Cardinals Tenure

Kyler Murray entered the NFL with considerable hype in 2019, selected as the No. 1 overall pick out of Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy. Paired with then-Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury, who ran an offense familiar to Murray since his youth, expectations for the dual-threat quarterback were sky-high. During his seven seasons in Arizona, Murray compiled a regular-season record of 38-48-1 in 87 starts. He was named to two Pro Bowls, showcasing his unique blend of passing and rushing abilities.

Statistically, Murray threw for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions over his career with the Cardinals. He also proved to be a potent threat on the ground, adding 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns. He is one of only three players in NFL history, alongside Josh Allen and Cam Newton, to throw for over 20,000 yards and run for over 3,000 yards in their careers, as noted by ESPN.

However, Murray’s tenure was also significantly impacted by injuries, particularly in his later years. After playing all 16 games in his rookie and second seasons (2019 and 2020), he missed three games in 2021, six games in 2022 after tearing an ACL in December, and twelve games in 2025 due to a foot injury. In total, Murray missed 30 games due to various ailments during his time in Arizona, contributing to a career-low 962 passing yards and six touchdowns in just five games last season, according to Yahoo Sports.

NFL Free Agency: Murray’s Next Chapter

With the legal tampering period commencing on March 9 and the official start of NFL free agency on March 12, Kyler Murray instantly becomes one of the most intriguing names on the market. While ESPN reported that Murray had two preferred teams he wished to join upon his release, specific names were not immediately disclosed. However, the New York Jets have been prominently mentioned as a potential suitor. After a ‘failed Justin Fields experiment’ in 2025, the Jets have a clear need at quarterback, and analysts suggest Murray’s dual-threat capabilities could be an ideal fit for their offense (*Yahoo Sports*).

The market for quarterbacks in free agency is expected to be competitive, with several teams looking to solidify their signal-caller position. Murray’s blend of Pro Bowl talent, albeit with recent injury concerns, presents a unique proposition for teams willing to invest in his potential resurgence. His relatively low cap hit for a new team, given the Cardinals’ guaranteed payment, could also make him an attractive option.

Cardinals’ Post-Murray Rebuilding Efforts

The release of Kyler Murray signifies a full-scale rebuilding effort for the Arizona Cardinals. The team concluded the last season by parting ways with head coach Jonathan Gannon and subsequently hired former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to take the helm. With the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Cardinals are in a prime position to select a new franchise quarterback, or potentially trade down to acquire more assets for a comprehensive rebuild.

Beyond the draft, the Cardinals have also been linked to veteran free agent quarterbacks like Jimmy Garoppolo, who previously played under Mike LaFleur during their time with the Rams and San Francisco 49ers, as reported by Yahoo Sports. The team has many options available to LaFleur and General Manager Monti Ossenfort as they look to reshape the offense and the overall roster in the post-Murray era.

The decision to release a former No. 1 overall pick like Kyler Murray, despite significant guaranteed money, underscores the NFL’s relentless pursuit of cap flexibility and performance. Murray’s availability on the open market, blending high-end talent with a history of injuries, will present a complex but potentially high-reward gamble for quarterback-needy teams, fundamentally altering the landscape of the upcoming free agency period.