Cardinals Seek Trade for Kyler Murray, Avoiding $54.7M Cap Hit

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The Arizona Cardinals have placed quarterback Kyler Murray on the trade block following a mid-season benching in 2025. The team is seeking at least a third-round pick in a potential deal, drawing comparisons to the Geno Smith trade from Seattle to Las Vegas. However, Murray's massive contract remains a complex hurdle, as releasing him before June 1 would result in a $54.7 million dead cap hit for the organization. A trade is the preferred outcome, as it would create $34.7 million in cap savings while leaving behind a more manageable $17.9 million in dead money.

Why it matters

The decision on Kyler Murray's future will be the first major test for new head coach Mike LaFleur, who returns to a play-calling role after three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. The financial reality makes a trade the preferred outcome as the team seeks to provide its new coaching staff with the necessary resources to compete in the challenging NFC West division.

The details

According to league sources, the Cardinals are seeking a return starting with at least a third-round pick in a potential Kyler Murray trade, drawing direct parallels to the trade that sent Geno Smith from Seattle to Las Vegas last March. While Smith showed greater consistency in his final season with the Seahawks than Murray did during his limited 2025 appearances, Murray's superior raw talent remains a significant selling point for teams in need of a franchise dual-threat weapon.

• Kyler Murray was benched mid-season in 2025.
• The Cardinals have officially placed Murray on the trade block in 2026.

What’s next

The Cardinals will continue to explore trade options for Kyler Murray, with the goal of finding a willing partner and avoiding the $54.7 million dead cap hit that would come with releasing him before June 1.