Kyler Murray announced his departure from the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday, signaling the end of his tenure with the team. In a message posted on social media, Murray stated, “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.”
Following his announcement, multiple reports indicated that the Cardinals informed Murray he would be released next week unless a trade partner is found. The team cannot officially cut or trade him until March 11, when the new league year begins.
This decision comes after months of speculation about Murray’s future and follows the hiring of new head coach Mike LaFleur. Murray had not spoken publicly since after a loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 5.
“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 wrote.
He added, “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.”
Once removed from Arizona’s roster, Murray will attract interest from other teams as he will not be tied to his previous contract. The Cardinals are expected to take on a significant salary cap hit in 2026 due to this move but will avoid further financial guarantees for 2027 if they act before March 15.
Reportedly, teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons could pursue Murray once available. He will likely sign at a league minimum salary because Arizona already owes him $36 million guaranteed for this season.
The Cardinals still have veteran quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis under contract; Brissett started most games last season. Reports suggest Arizona may also look at free agents Jimmy Garoppolo or Malik Willis or consider drafting another quarterback.
Murray played seven seasons with Arizona, starting all 87 games—more than any other quarterback in franchise history, surpassing Jake Plummer (82), Kurt Warner (61), and Carson Palmer (60). He ranks third in franchise history with 20,460 passing yards behind Jim Hart and Neil Lomax; second in completions with 1,974; third in touchdown passes with 121; and eleventh in rushing yards at 3,193—ranking ahead of several notable running backs.
Murray was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 under coach Kliff Kingsbury and made two Pro Bowl appearances (2020-2021). His peak came during the 2020 season when he threw for nearly 4,000 yards with 26 touchdowns while adding over 800 rushing yards.
In his only playoff appearance with Arizona during the 2021 season, he led them to an early strong record before their performance declined later that year. Injuries impacted subsequent seasons: an ACL tear late in 2022 sidelined him into mid-2023 under then-new coach Jonathan Gannon.
After returning from injury midway through that year, hopes were raised as Arizona led their division by their bye week but finished poorly afterward. This past season saw high expectations falter following a close loss against Tennessee where Murray suffered a foot injury; he did not return afterward and was placed on injured reserve.
The decision marks another chapter for both player and franchise as they move forward separately amid leadership changes within one of football’s oldest franchises—the Arizona Cardinals, who play home games in Glendale as part of the NFC West division serving greater Phoenix area fans.