The expectation has become reality in Arizona: The Kyler Murray era is over.
The Cardinals have informed Murray they are releasing him at the start of the new league year, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.
Rapoport added that Murray is due $36.8 million in guarantees for 2026, which means he'll likely play the upcoming season with a new team for the veteran minimum -- similar to Russell Wilson joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 following his release from the Denver Broncos.
Murray delivered a message to Cardinals fans regarding the news.
"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," the former No. 1 overall pick wrote. "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.
"I am no stranger to adversity, 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. Godspeed."
Murray's release can become official on March 11 and is a parting that could be seen coming from as early as the end of the 2024 season, a point at which the sentiment in Arizona seemed to shift toward requiring Murray to prove he was still worth the lucrative deal he signed in 2022. The quarterback fell short of that mark in 2025, struggling to generate consistent production, especially once running back James Conner was lost to a season-ending injury after just three games.
Murray dealt with injuries of his own in 2025, leading to his replacement with veteran backup Jacoby Brissett, who found more success under center than Murray. When Arizona chose to proceed with Brissett over Murray -- using Murray's foot injury as an explanation -- it felt like a soft benching of Murray, who landed on injured reserve in early November and did not return due to the ailment.
The first overall pick of the 2019 draft, Murray earned Offensive Rookie of the Year, made two Pro Bowls and during the 2021 season led the Cardinals to a wild-card appearance under former coach Kliff Kingsbury. Since then, Arizona has struggled mightily, firing coach Jonathan Gannon in January after going 15-36 in three seasons in the desert.
Signs of an impending split became clear at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week when Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort told reporters "all options are on the table for us" regarding the quarterback position, a statement that was far from a commitment to Murray and his lucrative contract.
Now, it's clear Ossenfort believes it's in the Cardinals' best interest to shed Murray's contract -- and his $19.5 million salary that would have been fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the upcoming new league year -- accept the dead cap hit of $54.7 million for 2026 and close the book on Murray's chapter before proceeding into their next hopeful era.
Murray, meanwhile, will generate interest on the open market from teams seeking experienced starters. The fact he'll cost them only the veteran minimum makes him that much more attractive.
