Cardinals Inform Kyler Murray of Planned Release, Ending Tumultuous Five-Year Era

The Arizona Cardinals have officially informed quarterback Kyler Murray that they plan to release him, bringing an end to one of the most disappointing quarterback tenures in recent NFL history. The decision, confirmed by team sources Tuesday, concludes a tumultuous five-year relationship that began with enormous promise when Murray was selected first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Murray explosive college career at Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2018, created sky-high expectations when he arrived in the desert. The dual-threat quarterback showed flashes of brilliance during his early seasons, leading the Cardinals to their first playoff appearance in six years during the 2021 season. However, inconsistent play, recurring injuries, and reported conflicts with the coaching staff ultimately led to this inevitable conclusion.

The financial implications of releasing Murray are staggering for Arizona. The quarterback signed a massive five-year, $230.5 million contract extension in July 2022, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league at the time. The Cardinals will face significant dead money charges against their salary cap, but the organization apparently believes the long-term benefits of moving on outweigh the short-term financial penalties.

Murray final season in Arizona was particularly disappointing, as he struggled with both performance and availability. The former Heisman winner threw for just 3,787 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while missing four games due to various injuries. His completion percentage dropped to a career-low 61.4%, and his decision-making under pressure became increasingly erratic as the season progressed.

The quarterback turbulent relationship with head coach Jonathan Gannon reportedly reached a breaking point during the latter portion of the 2025 season. Sources within the organization indicated that Murray had lost the confidence of key teammates and coaching staff members, making it clear that a fresh start would benefit both parties. The teams offensive struggles, ranking among the bottom third of the league in most statistical categories, provided additional justification for the move.

Murray release immediately makes him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks available in free agency, despite his recent struggles. Several teams with quarterback needs are expected to express interest in the 28-year-old, particularly those looking for a mobile signal-caller who could potentially revitalize his career with a change of scenery. Meanwhile, the Cardinals face the daunting task of finding their next franchise quarterback while managing the considerable cap implications of their decision to move on from their former cornerstone player.