Arizona Cardinals Release Kyler Murray, Adding Intriguing Option to QB Market
#Kyler Murray #Arizona Cardinals #quarterback release #NFL free agency #foot injury #Jacoby Brissett #Jonathan Gannon #Heisman Trophy
📌 Key Takeaways
- Kyler Murray was released by the Arizona Cardinals as the new NFL league year began, ending his tenure with the team.
- Murray expressed gratitude to fans and acknowledged disappointment at not ending the franchise's championship drought, while stating his best football is ahead.
- The release was anticipated due to Murray's $36.8 million guaranteed salary and reported frustration from both the team and Murray's camp.
- Murray's 2023 season was cut short by a foot injury after five games, leading to a quarterback controversy with backup Jacoby Brissett playing well in his absence.
- The Cardinals finished 3-14, fired coach Jonathan Gannon, and Murray's release adds a notable quarterback to the free agent market.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
NFL Transactions, Quarterback Market, Team Rebuilding
📚 Related People & Topics
Jacoby Brissett
American football player (born 1992)
Jacoby JaJuan Brissett (born December 11, 1992) is an American professional football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Following a stint with the Florida Gators, he played college football for the NC State Wolfpack and was selected by the New England Patrio...
Kyler Murray
American football player (born 1997)
Kyler Cole Murray (born August 7, 1997) is an American professional football quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Following one season of college football with the Texas A&M Aggies, Murray played for the Oklahoma Sooners, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2018. Mu...
Jonathan Gannon
American football coach (born 1983)
Jonathan James Gannon (born January 4, 1983) is an American professional football coach who is the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2023 to 2025. Gannon played college football...
Arizona Cardinals
National Football League franchise in Glendale, Arizona
The Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The Cardinals compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division. The team plays its home games at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, a ...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This news matters because Kyler Murray's release creates significant ripple effects across the NFL quarterback market. It affects the Arizona Cardinals' rebuilding plans, impacts multiple teams seeking quarterback upgrades, and represents a major financial decision with $36.8 million in guaranteed money involved. Murray's availability as a former No. 1 overall pick and Pro Bowl quarterback could reshape offseason strategies for quarterback-needy teams, while the Cardinals' decision signals a complete organizational reset after a disastrous 3-14 season.
Context & Background
- Kyler Murray was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma
- Murray signed a massive 5-year, $230.5 million contract extension in 2022 that included $160 million guaranteed
- The Cardinals finished with the worst record in the NFL last season at 3-14, leading to organizational changes
- Murray suffered a season-ending foot injury in 2023 after playing just five games, creating quarterback controversy with backup Jacoby Brissett
- Murray earned AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2019 and made the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2021
- The 'Hail Murray' touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins in 2020 became one of the most memorable plays of his Cardinals tenure
What Happens Next
Murray will immediately become a free agent and can sign with any team, with potential suitors including the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings. The Cardinals will likely use their No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select a new franchise quarterback, with options including Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. Murray's market value will be determined in the coming weeks as teams assess his recovery from foot surgery and willingness to accept a prove-it deal after his massive Cardinals contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cardinals released Murray because his $36.8 million guaranteed salary for 2024 made him virtually untradeable. No team was willing to take on that massive cap hit for a quarterback coming off injury and a disappointing season, especially when they could potentially sign him as a free agent for less money.
Teams with immediate quarterback needs and offensive systems that suit Murray's dual-threat abilities are top candidates. The Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders are frequently mentioned as potential destinations, as all have questionable quarterback situations and could benefit from Murray's playmaking ability.
The Cardinals now almost certainly will use their No. 4 overall pick on a quarterback. With Murray gone, Arizona can reset their quarterback timeline with a rookie contract, giving them financial flexibility to rebuild the roster around a young signal-caller like Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels.
Murray suffered a season-ending foot injury in November 2023 and underwent surgery. While he's expected to be ready for training camp, teams will conduct thorough medical evaluations to assess his recovery and mobility, which is crucial for his playing style as a mobile quarterback.
In his five games last season, Murray threw for 962 yards with 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, showing flashes of his Pro Bowl form but struggling with consistency. His 2022 season was more impressive with 3,787 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 11 games before tearing his ACL.