Speculation has been strong that Kyler Murray may not continue with the Arizona Cardinals for a potential eighth season. However, head coach Mike LaFleur has refrained from setting any deadlines regarding Murray’s status with the team.
Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, LaFleur emphasized that Murray’s future remains part of ongoing discussions, stating,
“Just like everything else on the roster, open conversations in this building,”
and added, “No time frame on that.”
Murray’s Injury and Contract Situation
Last season, Murray appeared in only five games before a foot injury landed him on injured reserve, ending his swifly curtailed campaign in early October. Despite durability concerns, Murray is still under contract with a guaranteed $36.8 million for the 2026 season from his five-year, $230 million extension.
Moreover, his base salary of $19.5 million for the 2027 season will be guaranteed if he remains on the roster by March 15, effectively creating a critical deadline for the Cardinals to finalize their plans, be it a trade, release, or retention.
Murray’s Performance and Team Context
Since being selected first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray has struggled to stay on the field over recent years, appearing in eight or fewer games in two of the last three seasons. He has, however, started all 87 games he has played, accumulating 20,460 passing yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions alongside 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns.
With Murray sidelined, veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett stepped up admirably, throwing for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions over 14 games (12 starts) last season. At 33 years old, Brissett is likely to be a strong candidate for the starting role if the Cardinals decide not to use the third overall pick in the upcoming draft on a new quarterback.
Coaching Changes and the Road Ahead for Arizona
The Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 3-14 record in the highly competitive NFC West, leading to the dismissal of coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons on January 5. LaFleur’s first season as head coach starts with significant questions around the quarterback position and team direction.
How the Cardinals resolve Kyler Murray’s future will significantly impact their offseason strategy and potentially shape the team’s competitiveness in the near term.
