When Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur took the podium at the NFL scouting combine, he revealed publicly a sentiment that coaches and executives have shared across hallways and closed-door meetings in recent weeks.
"He was always a problem," LaFleur said last week of quarterback Kyler Murray. "The defensive coordinators I worked with, it wasn't a fun week for them [facing him.]"
LaFleur was commenting on a quarterback still on his roster, and yet, the writing was on the wall. The Cardinals had already effectively benched Murray during the 2025 season to avoid triggering injury guarantees. LaFleur had not shifted course to endorse him upon arriving as a first-year head coach in February. And now, Murray's $19.5 million guaranteed salary in 2027 threatened to trigger in mid-March if the Cardinals did not release him sooner — on top of the $36.8 million in guarantees for the 2026 season due Murray either way.
So on Tuesday, Murray confirmed what had long been suspected: His time playing for the Cardinals is over.
"To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you," Murray said in a post on X. "I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best."
The Cardinals are expected to release Murray next Wednesday, when the league year turns over, barring a surprise trade that Murray's contract makes unlikely.
That Murray will be not only available, but available in 2026 for the veteran minimum salary as the Cardinals pay him the rest of the $36.8 million he's due, impacts the quarterback market significantly.
Teams with sticky cap situations or limited draft capital are on track to no longer need to worry about Murray's 2026 salary ($1.3 million) nor the assets he'll cost. Murray, with money in his pocket from Arizona, no longer needs to factor in which team will pay him the most in 2026.
So expect Murray to eye teams that will position him well to succeed, both because of their surrounding talent and because of the path to their starting quarterback role. The Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons have caught the attention of league sources, with the Indianapolis Colts proving another dark-horse contender.
The Vikings have 2024 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy in house, but injuries and inconsistent play leave league sources expecting the club to bring in competition.
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The Falcons have 2024 eighth overall pick Michael Penix Jr. in house, but Penix tore his ACL in late November which could call into question his readiness to perform and feel fully comfortable in Week 1. NFL brass often consider the first year back from an ACL tear to require a degree of re-acclimation before a player's body appears to fully adapt to its new normal. Penix has suffered five season-ending injuries across college and the NFL, including three torn ACLs, so his durability is also reasonable to question.
Indianapolis, meanwhile,placed a transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, but could have reason to question his Week 1 availability after Jones tore his Achilles on Dec. 7.
While league sources are split on how many more strong years Murray has in the NFL, they overwhelmingly believe his health and motivation will position him well for 2026. And his résumé is deeper than that of previously top available free agent Malik Willis.
Since the Cardinals took Murray first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray has completed 67.1% of pass attempts for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions. He's rushed for another 3,1983 yards and 32 touchdowns, losing 13 fumbles.
Murray's 92.2 passer rating ranks 24th across quarterbacks active during his seven seasons, while his 32 rushing touchdowns rank third, behind the Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen and the Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts.
Murray has declined some physically in recent years, talent evaluators say, but he is still considered a dual-threat quarterback who will frustrate defensive coordinators in game-planning and live action alike.
In his Tuesday statement, Murray made clear how he feels about his next chapter.
"I am no stranger to adversity," he said. "I am prepared for whatever's next. I trust in God and my work ethic.
"I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it."
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