The Arizona Cardinals have informed former No 1 overall pick Kyler Murray that they plan to release him at the start of the new league year on 11 March, according to a person familiar with the decision. The quarterback is owed $36.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026 and will become a free agent upon his release.
Murray, 28, posted a farewell message to Cardinals fans on social media, expressing regret for not leading the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory. He led the team to the playoffs just once in seven seasons, a wildcard loss in 2021. 'I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organisation, I am sorry I failed us,' he wrote.
Murray played only five games in 2025, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions before a foot injury sidelined him. He was placed on injured reserve after backup Jacoby Brissett performed well, creating a quarterback controversy. The Cardinals finished 3-14 and fired head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Murray arrived in Arizona in 2019 as the Heisman Trophy winner and was named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He earned two Pro Bowl selections and produced memorable moments, including the 'Hail Murray' touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in 2020. The peak of his tenure came in 2021, when the Cardinals started 10-2 but lost four of their last five games and were eliminated in the wildcard round by the Los Angeles Rams.
In 2022, Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract with $160 million guaranteed. Shortly after, a clause requiring four hours of 'independent study' per game week was removed, raising questions about his work ethic. He tore his ACL later that year, missing the remainder of the season and part of 2023. Despite a promising 2024 season under Gannon, the 2025 campaign unravelled, hastening his departure.
