After seven challenging seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Kyler Murray is set to be released as of the first day of the 2026 NFL league year, Wednesday, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move marks the end of Murray’s tenure in Arizona and allows him to choose his next team freely, rather than being traded without his input. Reports indicate Murray favors two potential destinations, though they remain undisclosed.
Despite his release, the Cardinals have guaranteed Murray $36.8 million for the 2026 season, avoiding a $19.5 million salary obligation for 2027 by acting prior to the fifth day of the league year.
The Rise and Challenges of Murray’s Career in Arizona
When the Cardinals selected Kyler Murray first overall in 2019, it symbolized a promising start for both the quarterback and the franchise. Murray, a Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma, was reunited in the NFL with Kliff Kingsbury, who had recruited him in high school and become Arizona’s head coach. Their bond created high expectations.
However, the relationship deteriorated over time. Murray led Arizona to the playoffs just once, culminating in a lopsided loss to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Following a contract extension in 2022, a controversial clause requiring Murray to complete four hours of weekly film study became public, casting doubt on his work ethic. That same year, a sideline confrontation with Kingsbury happened shortly before Murray suffered a significant ACL injury, altering the trajectory of his career.
In the three subsequent seasons, Murray struggled to return to form, first under coach Jonathan Gannon and then Mike LaFleur, who replaced Gannon. The combination of injury and instability hampered Murray’s effectiveness.
Arizona’s Quarterback Situation Moving Forward
For the 2026 season, the Cardinals retain quarterback Jacoby Brissett under contract. After assuming the starting role from Murray in Week 6 of the previous season, Brissett ranked first in completions, second in passing yards, and third in passing touchdowns. Despite producing solid individual statistics, the team managed just one win with him as the starter.
It remains uncertain if head coach Mike LaFleur intends to keep Brissett as the primary starter. While the Cardinals hold the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft, selecting a quarterback that early appears unlikely given the current class’s prospects. Instead, Arizona might look later in the draft or to free agency for signal-caller options. Insider sources mention ongoing interest in Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has previous experience with LaFleur during their time in Los Angeles.
Could the Minnesota Vikings Become Kyler Murray’s Next Team?
The Minnesota Vikings are widely considered a leading candidate to acquire Kyler Murray. Following J.J. McCarthy’s struggles down the stretch of the 2025 season, Vikings executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski confirmed that the organization is open to exploring all avenues to bolster the quarterback position. While McCarthy has not been definitively replaced and received only 10 starts since being drafted 10th overall in 2024, the team is open to adding a player who might immediately claim the starting role.
Murray’s potential impact on the Vikings’ offense is significant, as playing alongside star receiver Justin Jefferson and under coach Kevin O’Connell could enhance his career prospects. However, the Vikings face a critical decision balancing their investment in McCarthy against the possibility of integrating Murray as the clear starting quarterback.
As O’Connell begins his fifth season without a playoff victory, the motivation to improve at quarterback intensifies.
Prospects for Replacing Murray through the NFL Draft
The Cardinals hold the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but experts suggest drafting a new franchise quarterback at this position may be premature. The 2026 draft class features one clear top-tier quarterback prospect, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be taken first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Arizona’s other options, such as Alabama’s Ty Simpson, ranked No. 39 overall and compared to former NFL player Mac Jones, lack certainty as future impact passers. The Cardinals could consider trading back into the first round from their current second-round position (No. 34 overall) to target quarterback prospects such as LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Penn State’s Drew Allar, or Miami’s Carson Beck, depending on draft evaluations.
Kyler Murray’s Farewell Message to Arizona Fans
“To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my…” — Kyler Murray, Quarterback
Importance of Murray’s Departure for the Cardinals and NFL Landscape
Kyler Murray’s release represents a pivotal moment for both his career and the Arizona Cardinals’ direction. Arizona must now determine whether to build around Brissett, pursue a veteran free agent like Jimmy Garoppolo, or acquire a young quarterback through the draft. Each avenue includes risks and potential rewards as the team seeks stability at one of football’s most critical positions.
Meanwhile, Murray’s move could reshape quarterback dynamics in the NFL, with the Minnesota Vikings a notable suitor who might benefit from his abilities. This transition will be closely watched by analysts and fans, as it underscores the league’s frequent fluidity at quarterback and the challenges players and teams face balancing performance, health, and organizational fit.
To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my…
— Kyler Murray (@K1) March 3, 2026
