“I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organization,” Kyler Murray wrote in an emotional post on X following news of his release. “I am sorry I failed us.” Those words, raw and public, marked the stunning end of a seven-year chapter between the former No. 1 overall pick and the Arizona Cardinals. Murray had been the face of the franchise since 2019, and he now exits without a single playoff win to his name.
Cardinals Inform Murray of Decision
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) walks off the field after the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Arizona Cardinals informed Kyler Murray on March 2, 2026, that they plan to release him on March 11, the first day of the new NFL league year, unless a trade is completed before then. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the news, confirming that Arizona is officially moving on from its franchise quarterback. The decision came under new head coach Mike LaFleur, who replaced Jonathan Gannon after a dismal 15-36 coaching record.
A Relationship That Broke Down
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) on the side line against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Long before the official announcement, communication between Murray and the Cardinals’ front office had deteriorated. At the NFL Combine in February, GM Monti Ossenfort told reporters, “I’ve always had a good dialogue with Kyler,” calling the 2025 season one “that wasn’t up to what any of us wanted.” However, a source directly told ESPN that Murray and Ossenfort had not spoken since the season ended, directly contradicting the GM’s statement.
Injuries Defined His Tenure
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) against the Jacksonville Jaguars at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Murray played just five games in 2025 before a foot injury ended his season. He was placed on injured reserve in November and never returned, even after becoming eligible to play. Over seven seasons in Arizona, Murray appeared in 87 games, throwing for 20,460 yards and 121 touchdowns while adding 3,193 rushing yards. His dual-threat ability was elite on its best days, but his availability was never reliable enough to push the Cardinals into serious postseason contention.
The Financial Reality
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Cardinals will still owe Murray $36.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026, regardless of releasing him. Had Murray remained on the roster through March 15, Arizona would have triggered an additional $19.5 million guarantee for the 2027 season. By cutting him now, the team avoids that additional obligation. Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension in 2022, a deal that also controversially included a since-removed “study clause” requiring Murray to watch game film.
Murray’s Final Message to Arizona
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) meets Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after the Seahawks’ 23-20 win at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 25, 2025.
Murray closed his farewell post with the words: “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.” The statement was widely shared across social media and praised for its vulnerability. Despite the franchise’s repeated struggles, Murray took personal responsibility for not delivering a championship to the desert.
Was It Murray’s Fault?
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Analysts were quick to note that Arizona’s failures were not solely on Murray. The franchise has not won a championship in nearly 79 years, and the consistent lack of a competitive supporting roster made it difficult for any quarterback to succeed.
Cardinals’ QB Situation Now
Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) throws downfield against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
With Murray gone, Arizona’s depth chart currently lists Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis as the only quarterbacks under contract for 2026. Neither is considered a long-term franchise answer. The Cardinals are reportedly monitoring the quarterback market closely, with names like Aaron Rodgers and Daniel Jones surfacing as potential targets as Arizona tries to quickly stabilize the position under LaFleur’s new offensive system.
Murray’s Free Agency Outlook
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) walks on the field before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Because Arizona still owes Murray his full $36.8 million 2026 salary, his next team can sign him at or near the league minimum, making him one of the most cost-effective free agents at quarterback. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen noted that “when healthy, Murray has the talent to produce in a system that maximizes his dual-threat ability.” Potential landing spots include the Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, and Kansas City Chiefs.
A Baseball Door Still Open
Nov 7, 2023; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Oakland Athletics general manager David Forst speaks to the media during the MLB General Manager’s Meetings at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In an unusual footnote to Murray’s NFL exit, Oakland Athletics GM David Forst confirmed the organization still holds a torch for the dual-sport athlete. “He and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes,” Forst said. Murray was drafted 9th overall by the A’s in the 2018 MLB Draft before choosing football. At just 28 years old, his next chapter, in any sport, remains wide open.
If you enjoyed this article please like and follow us here on MSN! Thank you for reading and have a great day!
Sources:
Cardinals Tell Kyler Murray He’ll Be Released Next Week.” ESPN, March 2026.
“Kyler Murray to Be Released by Cardinals, Set to Hit Free Agency.” CBS Sports, March 2026.
“Cardinals Inform QB Kyler Murray They Will Release Him at Start of New League Year.” NFL.com, March 2026.
“Kyler Murray Says Goodbye to Arizona via Social Media.” AZCardinals.com, March 2026.
“Kyler Murray’s NFL Future Up in Air as ESPN Reporter Refutes Cardinals GM Comment.” Pro Football Network, February 2026.
