The Arizona Cardinals have decided to release quarterback Kyler Murray at the start of the upcoming NFL league year, signaling the end of his injury-marred stint with the team. This move opens the door for the franchise to seek a fresh option at quarterback, with the spotlight intensifying on Alabama’s Ty Simpson as a potential successor.
Kyler Murray’s Career in Arizona and Recent Challenges
Kyler Murray entered the NFL as the first overall draft pick in 2019 and quickly made an impact, earning the Rookie of the Year award and two Pro Bowl selections during his initial three seasons. He secured a lucrative five-year contract valued at $230.5 million, highlighting the organization’s confidence in his talent. However, a torn ACL in 2023 followed by a foot injury limited him to only five games in the 2025 season, contributing to a decline in his on-field performance and consistency.
Trade Rumors and the Potential Draft of Ty Simpson
Following Murray’s release, ESPN analyst Jordan Reid forecasts that the Cardinals will execute a trade with the Houston Texans during the 2026 NFL Draft. Reid suggests that Arizona could trade back into the late first round to select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 28th pick, seeing him as a promising long-term replacement for Murray. This strategy would address their urgent need for stability at the quarterback position while balancing risk and development time.
“With the news that Kyler Murray will officially be either cut or traded before the start of the league year, the Cardinals have a lot of quarterback questions,”
Jordan Reid, NFL Analyst
“So I have them trading back into the bottom of the first round to acquire their QB of the future. Simpson is a perfect fit in new coach Mike LaFleur’s offense. Simpson operates well off play-action but makes his best throws in the short and intermediate areas. His lack of starting experience (15 starts) makes him a bit of a risk here, but Arizona still has veteran Jacoby Brissett for another year to serve as a bridge until Simpson is ready to be the QB1.”
Jordan Reid, NFL Analyst
Why Ty Simpson Fits the Cardinals’ Offensive Strategy
Ty Simpson is gaining traction as the Cardinals’ preferred quarterback replacement due to his skill set aligning closely with head coach Mike LaFleur’s offensive approach. Simpson excels in rhythm passing and is particularly effective in play-action scenarios, demonstrating accuracy in short and intermediate throws. Although Simpson has only 15 collegiate starts, his senior season showed substantial growth, poise, and improved decision-making, traits scouts believe will translate well to the NFL level.
Interim Solutions and Future Prospects for the Quarterback Role
Arizona plans to rely on veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett as an interim starter throughout the next season, allowing Simpson time to adjust and develop. The Cardinals’ willingness to trade up in the draft to secure a fifth-year option on Simpson demonstrates their intent to invest in his potential. This approach reflects a careful balance between immediate competitiveness and building a sustainable quarterback foundation for the future.
The Broader Impact of the Quarterback Change
The decision to part ways with a high-profile player like Kyler Murray, who signed one of the NFL’s largest contracts, marks a pivotal moment for the Cardinals. It underscores their commitment to reshaping the quarterback position in pursuit of consistency and success. The upcoming draft and offseason moves will be critical in defining the team’s direction and rebuilding efforts, with Simpson’s selection potentially marking the start of a new chapter.
Veteran Bridge and the Path Forward
With Jacoby Brissett expected to assume the starting role temporarily, the Cardinals gain flexibility to develop Simpson without rushing his progress. This plan mitigates some of the risk related to Simpson’s limited starting experience, while providing a veteran presence to guide the offense. The Cardinals’ front office faces an important task in monitoring Simpson’s transition as they seek to return to competitiveness, making this a defining offseason for the franchise.
