The Arizona Cardinals are set to begin their upcoming season without Kyler Murray, ending an eight-year chapter with their franchise quarterback. News of Murray’s release became public following the NFL combine last week, where key figures including Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort were present.
Though it seemed clear Arizona was prepared to part ways with Murray, the team’s efforts to trade him before releasing fell short despite substantial attempts to find a buyer.
Sources Indicate Team Explored All Trade Options for Murray
According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports, the Cardinals pursued every possible avenue to trade Kyler Murray during the combine period but no trade materialized. Gambadoro reported,
“The Arizona Cardinals explored all options to trade Kyler Murray at the combine but those conversations did not go anywhere. Arizona preferred to trade Murray but there were no takers. I’m told the waiving of Kyler was handled the right way and that most of the cap hit will be absorbed this year.”
He further explained the challenge behind the failed trade attempts:
“The issue in trading Kyler Murray came down to this. The Cardinals weren’t trading the player they were trading the contract and no team wanted it. Arizona exhausted all options to trade him there was no interest. The Murray era ends with much disappointment and unfulfilled expectations. Arizona will explore all options in finding their next QB – free agency, trade, draft.”
Impact of Murray’s Release and Next Steps for the Cardinals
With Murray no longer on the roster, the Cardinals will move forward with Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback through 2026, supported by Kedon Slovis as the backup. Arizona’s front office will actively pursue additional quarterback options via free agency and the upcoming draft.
Names like Malik Willis and Jimmy Garoppolo have been connected to new head coach Mike LaFleur, while prospects such as Ty Simpson are considered viable draft targets. The franchise now faces a significant financial consequence, with an estimated $54 million counted as dead cap space from Murray’s release—compared to the $17.9 million that would have been incurred in a trade.
The contract’s financial burden largely prevented other teams from taking on Murray, but on the positive side for the quarterback, he now has the freedom to select his next destination rather than being sent to the highest bidder. This separation, though difficult, is necessary for both sides as Arizona begins its search to find a new quarterback capable of leading the team in future seasons.
The Arizona Cardinals explored all options to trade Kyler Murray at the combine but those conversations did not go anywhere. Arizona preferred to trade Murray but there were no takers. I’m told the waiving of Kyler was handled the right way and that most of the cap hit will be…
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 3, 2026
The issue in trading Kyler Murray came down to this. The Cardinals weren’t trading the player they were trading the contract and no team wanted it. Arizona exhausted all options to trade him there was no interest. The Murray era ends with much disappointment and unfulfilled…
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 3, 2026
