The Arizona Cardinals have restructured cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting’s contract to ensure his presence on the roster through the 2026 season, following his absence last year due to injury. This move, along with a similar adjustment for running back James Conner, was made to manage the team’s salary cap while keeping important contributors available for the upcoming campaign.
Murphy-Bunting was initially set to earn $7.2 million in 2026 with a significant cap impact of $9.2 million, but the revised deal aims to ease financial constraints for the Cardinals’ front office as they plan for the future.
Murphy-Bunting Returns After Missing 2025 Season
Sean Murphy-Bunting, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury, will return to Arizona’s lineup under his updated contract. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo confirmed the agreement, emphasizing the cornerback’s important role despite last year’s setback.
The #AZCardinals have also agreed to a reworked deal with CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, who missed the 2025 season with an injury. He’s back in Arizona for this upcoming season. https://t.co/3usq6fD2cZ
— Mike Garafolo, NFL Reporter
The 28-year-old signed a three-year deal worth $25 million in the 2024 offseason and was brought in by general manager Monti Ossenfort to be the team’s CB1. Murphy-Bunting made an impact in his first year with Arizona by appearing in 15 games and compiling three interceptions, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles, helping Arizona’s secondary rank 15th in passing yards allowed.
Impact of Injury and Team Adjustments in Secondary
Murphy-Bunting’s absence in his sophomore season forced the Cardinals to rely heavily on less experienced players, leading the secondary to drop to 24th in passing yards allowed. Being placed on the reserve/non-football injury list last May due to his knee injury kept the six-year veteran sidelined before training camp even started.
Monti Ossenfort’s commitment to retaining Murphy-Bunting highlights the importance of the former Super Bowl champion to the team’s defensive plans moving forward.
Additional Roster Moves Aid Salary Cap Management
Along with reworking Murphy-Bunting’s and James Conner’s deals, the Cardinals increased their salary cap space by releasing defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson, freeing up $14 million. These financial moves create flexibility as Arizona prepares for the new season and attempts to rebuild its defense around experienced players like Murphy-Bunting.
The Cardinals released DL Dalvin Tomlinson, creating $14 million in cap space
Looking Ahead to the Next Season
With Sean Murphy-Bunting returning on a revised contract, the Cardinals aim to stabilize their defensive backfield and improve upon last year’s performance. His presence is expected to boost the secondary’s effectiveness and provide veteran leadership as the team works toward competitive success in the 2026 NFL season.
The #AZCardinals have also agreed to a reworked deal with CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, who missed the 2025 season with an injury. He's back in Arizona for this upcoming season. https://t.co/3usq6fD2cZ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2026
