Cardinals Set To Release Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray will be released on March 11 and will be free to sign with any team while still owed $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026.
FOX NewsCardinals' Kyler Murray apologizes to fans ahead of expected release: 'I am sorry I failed us'
Chicago Sun-TimesCardinals will release two-time Pro Bowl QB Kyler Murray
The GuardianCardinals to release former No 1 overall pick Kyler Murray with QB still owed $36.8m
USA TODAYKyler Murray landing spots: Best fits for QB in free agency
Overview
The Cardinals told Kyler Murray they plan to release him at the start of the new league year on March 11, a person familiar with the decision said.
Murray was the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, won the Heisman at Oklahoma, earned Offensive Rookie of the Year and produced the 'Hail Murray' in 2020.
Murray posted a farewell saying he is sorry he failed to end the franchise's 77-year drought and that he believes his best football is ahead.
The 28-year-old is owed $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026 and signed a five-year, $230.5 million deal in 2022 with $160 million guaranteed; Arizona finished 3-14 and fired coach Jonathan Gannon.
Murray played five games last season, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions before a foot injury; he will be free to sign with any team once released on March 11.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Murray’s release as the culmination of a decline, highlighting injuries, inconsistent play and doubts about his work ethic. Editorial choices—loaded terms like “kerfuffle” and “honeymoon was short lived,” emphasis on a removed contract clause, and quoting Murray without team comment—push a narrative of unmet expectations.
FAQ
The Cardinals plan to release Kyler Murray on March 11, 2026, the first day of the new NFL league year.
Murray is owed $36.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026 from his contract.
Murray was the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, won Offensive Rookie of the Year, made two Pro Bowl berths, and produced the 'Hail Murray' in 2020.
The Cardinals finished 3-14 last season, fired coach Jonathan Gannon, and are rebuilding with the third overall draft pick and cap space, making Murray's release a tough choice at quarterback.
Murray thanked supporters, apologized for failing to end the 77-year playoff drought, stated his best football is ahead, and expressed trust in his work ethic.
