Arizona Cardinals Release Quarterback Kyler Murray

The former Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler is now a free agent after 7 seasons with the team.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Arizona Cardinals have officially released quarterback Kyler Murray after 7 seasons with the team. Murray was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and made the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2021, but his final record with the Cardinals ended up 38-48-1. The team is on the hook for $36.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026, but avoided paying him another $17 million that would have triggered salary guarantees for 2027.

Why it matters

Kyler Murray was a highly touted draft pick and had some success early in his career, but injuries and inconsistent play led to his release from the Cardinals. As a free agent, he will now look to sign with a new team and try to revive his NFL career.

The details

Murray only played 5 games last season, suffering a foot injury in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. After Week 8, he was placed on injured reserve and did not return. The Cardinals say the release was largely a financial move, as they avoided paying him an additional $17 million in 2027 salary guarantees.

  • Kyler Murray was released by the Arizona Cardinals on March 12, 2026, at the start of the new NFL league year.
  • Murray was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and made the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2021.

The players

Kyler Murray

A former first-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals, Murray was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and made the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2021 before injuries and inconsistent play led to his release from the team.

Monti Ossenfort

The general manager of the Arizona Cardinals who issued a farewell statement on the team's decision to release Kyler Murray.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Kyler Murray is now a free agent and is planning to visit the Minnesota Vikings, who are considered the favorite to sign him.

The takeaway

Kyler Murray's release from the Arizona Cardinals after 7 seasons highlights the challenges young quarterbacks can face in the NFL, as injuries and inconsistent play can derail even highly touted careers. As a free agent, Murray will now look to sign with a new team and try to revive his NFL future.