NFL Insiders Baffled by Cardinals' Kyler Murray Exit Strategy

Arizona released the quarterback instead of exploring trade options, drawing league-wide questions.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of muted earth tones conveying the complexity and confusion surrounding the Cardinals' quarterback situation.The Cardinals' puzzling decision to release Kyler Murray instead of exploring trade options has left the NFL community searching for answers.NYC Today

Multiple NFL executives have expressed confusion over the Arizona Cardinals' decision to release quarterback Kyler Murray instead of exploring trade options. The team signaled a shift at quarterback late last season by handing starting duties to Jacoby Brissett, effectively reducing Murray's trade value. Financial considerations also played a role, as the Cardinals eliminated the risk of Murray's $19.5 million salary in 2027 becoming fully guaranteed.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' handling of the Murray situation has drawn skepticism across the league, with some questioning whether the team could have received more in a trade rather than simply releasing the former first-round pick. The move leaves Arizona without a clear long-term solution at quarterback, adding pressure as the team looks to rebuild under a new head coach.

The details

According to reports, several NFL executives were surprised the Cardinals opted to move on from Murray via release rather than exploring a trade market. The team began signaling Murray's exit late last season by handing starting duties to Jacoby Brissett, limiting its leverage in potential trade talks. Financial factors also played a role, as the Cardinals eliminated the risk of Murray's $19.5 million salary in 2027 becoming fully guaranteed.

  • In late 2025, the Cardinals handed starting quarterback duties to Jacoby Brissett, effectively reducing Kyler Murray's trade value.
  • In April 2026, the Cardinals released Kyler Murray instead of trading him.

The players

Kyler Murray

The former first-round pick and starting quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, who was released by the team in 2026.

Jacoby Brissett

The quarterback who took over starting duties for the Cardinals late in the 2025 season, effectively reducing Kyler Murray's trade value.

Mike LaFleur

The first-year head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who will be tasked with leading the team's quarterback group moving forward.

Geno Smith

The quarterback who signed with the New York Jets, addressing their need at the position after the Cardinals released Kyler Murray.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I feel like they could have done a lot of different things, but they chose not to. They just wanted him off the roster, wanted to save the $19.5 million (in 2027 salary that would have become fully guaranteed this month). They did not want to mess with it. I don't know why. They don't have a good enough roster where that $19.5 million really matters.”

— NFL Executive

“I don't know why you would not just keep him on your roster for the whole season and then figure it out next year. You could probably trade him straight up off the $19.5 million, or if you cut him, then he's making $1.5 million next year with someone else, so it's an $18 million risk. If you can get a third-round pick for him, that is well worth the risk.”

— NFL Executive

“How were the Cardinals not able to trade him to the Jets, eat $35 million this year and then the Jets are on the hook for the $19.5 million next year? That is basically two years at $25 million. The Jets would not have signed up for that?”

— NFL Executive

What’s next

The Cardinals will look to address their quarterback situation in the upcoming NFL Draft, holding the No. 3 overall pick. They will also need to determine their long-term plan at the position under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' decision to release Kyler Murray instead of exploring trade options has drawn widespread confusion and skepticism across the NFL. The move raises questions about the team's overall strategy and leaves them without a clear long-term solution at quarterback as they enter a new era under a first-year head coach.