Kyler Murray Hits Free Agency After Cardinals Release

With the coaching staff turnover in Arizona, it seemed likely that Kyler Murray would not be returning as the QB. Now it’s official, the Arizona Cardinals will be releasing the 28-year-old.

(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

The decision comes after a multitude of rumors that the Cardinals would be moving off Murray due to his inconsistent play and struggles with injuries. 

The 2021 season was the first year Murray saw struggles with injuries, missing three games due to a hamstring injury. The following season, he played in just 11 games before suffering a torn ACL. That injury then plagued his 2023 season, limiting him to only eight games, which he played later on in the year. In 2024, he was fully healthy and played in all 17 games, while in 2025, he missed 11 games due to a foot injury.

In his only full season since 2021, the former first overall pick had a decent season. Murray passed for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a career-high 63.4 passer rating. While on the ground, he rushed for 572 yards and five touchdowns.

On the contract side, this is a perfect situation for any team to sign him. In 2026, Murray is due for $36.8 million with offsets. This means he could sign with a team for $1.3 million, and the Cardinals would pay the rest. If a team pays him more, the Cardinals pay less; either way, Murray will be earning a guaranteed $36.8 million, so the expectation is the new team will be signing him for $1.3 million.

The clear-cut favorite to sign the quarterback is the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have made it clear that they are looking for competition for JJ McCarthy, and bringing in the market's best QB free agent would be the no-brainer. But in reality, Kyler Murray would be the presumptive starter, and the chances of McCarthy being able to hold a competition with Murray would be slim.

Another possible destination for Kyler Murray would be the Jets, but it is believed the interest has been reported to not be neutral. Along with that, the Jets' new offensive coordinator, Frank Reich, will be looking for a QB to fit his scheme, which Murray does not due to his size.

Whatever team gets Kyler Murray, they are getting a bargain of a price and a shot at having a legitimate starting quarterback.

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