The Arizona Cardinals are facing a pivotal moment in their franchise history, and it's all centered around their star quarterback, Kyler Murray. But is this the end of the road for the once-promising QB?
The Cardinals are expected to part ways with Kyler Murray this offseason, according to NFL Network Insiders. This news comes as a shock to many, considering Murray's status as the team's starter for the past seven years. However, the writing may have been on the wall as the 2025 season unfolded.
Murray, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has struggled to find consistent success. Despite his Pro Bowl appearances, his career record stands at a modest 38-48-1. The 2025 season was a microcosm of his career: a promising start, followed by a season-ending injury in Week 5. With just five starts, 962 passing yards, and a lopsided playoff loss on his resume, Murray's future in Arizona was already in question.
And then came the coaching change. After firing head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur, the offensive coordinator of the Rams. This move signaled a new direction for the team, and it seems Murray might not be part of their plans. The Insiders suggest that the partnership between LaFleur and Murray may be short-lived.
Here's where it gets tricky. Murray's contract guarantees him $36.8 million, but if he remains on the roster past March 11, he's due an additional $20 million. The Cardinals have a financial incentive to make a decision before that date. If they cut him, it will result in a massive dead money hit of $54.7 million, according to Over The Cap. A trade could reduce this number, but Murray's best option might be to become a free agent and choose his next team.
This situation draws parallels to Russell Wilson's departure from the Broncos, where he signed a veteran minimum deal with the Steelers while still being paid by his former team. Could Murray find a similar landing spot?
The Cardinals have options to replace Murray, with Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis on the roster. Brissett filled in for Murray in 2025, putting up impressive stats but struggling to win games. With the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft and $42.2 million in cap space, the Cardinals have the resources to find their next franchise quarterback.
As the LaFleur era begins, the Cardinals are poised to make a significant change under center. Will they find their new franchise leader, or will this decision spark controversy and divide opinions among fans and analysts? The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of this storied franchise.
