Cardinals Discuss Future with Quarterback Kyler Murray in Arizona
Recent developments indicate that the Arizona Cardinals are set to engage in crucial discussions about quarterback Kyler Murray’s future with the team. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, these conversations will determine whether they will continue their partnership or part ways. Sources suggest a separation may be on the horizon.
Kyler Murray’s Status with the Cardinals
Discussions regarding Murray’s outlook are scheduled to occur after the conclusion of the current season. This update follows the Cardinals’ announcement that Jacoby Brissett will start as quarterback in an upcoming match against the Seattle Seahawks. Murray has missed the last three games due to a foot injury and has been placed on injured reserve.
Current Season Performance
This season, Kyler Murray has recorded:
- 962 passing yards
- 6 touchdowns
- 3 interceptions
- 173 rushing yards
- 1 rushing touchdown
Under his leadership, the Cardinals averaged 20.6 points per game, struggling with a record of 2-3. Meanwhile, Jacoby Brissett, who has taken over as starting quarterback, has completed three games with the team, leading to a 1-2 record. Under Brissett, the Cardinals have averaged 25.7 points per game, showcasing his potential impact.
Brissett’s Performance
Brissett has performed notably, particularly in a recent victory against the Dallas Cowboys, where he threw for:
- 261 yards
- 3 touchdowns
Murray’s Contract Considerations
Murray signed a significant five-year contract extension worth $230.5 million prior to the 2022 season, effective until 2028. The extension was negotiated under former general manager Steve Keim, who left the organization following the 2022 season.
The Cardinals face important decisions regarding Murray in the offseason. They must contemplate whether to:
- Trade him
- Release him
- Honor a $19.5 million guarantee due shortly after the new league year starts on March 11
Financial Implications
Here are some details of Murray’s financial obligations to the Cardinals:
| Year | Base Salary | Roster Bonus | Cap Hit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $22.8 million | $17 million | $53.3 million |
| 2027 | $19.5 million | N/A | $43.5 million |
| 2028 | $34 million | N/A | $46.5 million |
If the Cardinals decide to terminate Murray’s contract before June 1, they would incur a dead cap hit of $57.7 million. Conversely, releasing him after June 1 would result in a divided cap hit of $50.5 million for 2026 and $7.2 million for 2027. If traded, a potential cap savings of $35.3 million could be realized, with $17.9 million remaining as dead cap.
The Cardinals’ upcoming decisions regarding Murray will significantly impact the team’s future direction.
