Kyler Murray Officially Informed Of Release By Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have informed Kyler Murray that he will be released on March 11. That officially closes the book on one of the most complicated quarterback tenures in recent memory. Murray, who still has $36.8 million in guaranteed money owed to him by Arizona in 2026, will hit free agency for the first time in his career. And because of the offset language in his deal, whatever team signs him will only need to pay him the league minimum.
Murray didn’t wait long to address his departure. Shortly after the news broke, he posted a farewell message that was equal parts gracious and heartbreaking. “I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organization,” he wrote. “I am sorry I failed us.” That’s not PR speak. That’s a guy who genuinely cared about a city and a fan base that gave him a ton of grief. Where will the veteran QB land?
How Murray’s Time In Arizona Fell Apart
To understand how we got here, you have to go back to the beginning. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019. He made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, he put together arguably the best season of his career and dragged the Cardinals to their first playoff berth since 2015. That was enough for Arizona to hand him the keys to the kingdom: a five-year, $230.5 million extension heading into 2022. Then the injuries came.
A torn ACL cut his 2022 season short. He played just eight games in 2023. He bounced back in 2024, but by Week 5 of the 2025 season, he was down again with a foot injury. Jacoby Brissett stepped in. Arizona actually won a prime-time game against Dallas with Brissett at the helm. Then, former Head Coach Jonathan Gannon made a declaration that told you everything you needed to know: even if Murray got healthy, Brissett was going to start.
What Murray’s Career Numbers Actually Tell You
Lost in all the noise about injuries and contracts is the fact that Murray was a legitimately good football player when he was on the field. Over his seven-year career in Arizona, he completed 67.1% of his passes for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions. He also rushed for 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns. His career passer rating sits at 92.2.
Those are not the numbers of a bust. They’re the numbers of a talented quarterback who couldn’t stay healthy and never had the organizational infrastructure around him to truly compete. The Cardinals went 38-48-1 in his starts. That’s not entirely on Murray.
Where Does Murray Land Next?
Here’s where it gets fun. Murray, 28 years old and with legitimate starting experience, is about to be the most intriguing low-cost option on the free agent market. Multiple teams with quarterback vacancies are already circling. The Minnesota Vikings, still searching for a long-term answer at the position, are expected to show interest.
The Pittsburgh Steelers represent another compelling destination. A roster full of talent, a new offensive-minded head coach in Mike McCarthy, and a defense that can actually win games? That’s a situation Murray could thrive in.
The market will be robust. How could it not be? You’re getting a former No. 1 overall pick, a two-time Pro Bowler, and a guy who threw for nearly 4,000 yards just last season all for the veteran minimum.
Murray Has Every Reason To Prove Everyone Wrong
There will be skeptics. There always are. Murray’s injury history is real, and his 2025 season was a mess before it even got started. But he’s 28. His best ball could absolutely still be ahead of him, and he knows it. He said as much in his farewell post: “I truly believe my best ball is in front of me, and I look forward to proving it.”
Some athletes say that because they have to. Murray says it because he has something to prove. The NFL loves a redemption arc. Murray has the talent to write a good one.
