A Shocking Departure: Kyler Murray is Out in Arizona! The Arizona Cardinals are officially parting ways with their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, marking a significant turning point for the franchise. After exploring trade options at the combine that ultimately didn't pan out, the team has confirmed the decision to release him. This news broke shortly after Murray himself posted a heartfelt farewell message on social media, expressing his gratitude to the fans and his regret for not being able to end the team's long championship drought. He shared, "I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us." Murray also conveyed his resilience, stating, "I am no stranger to adversity. I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it."
Murray's tenure with the Cardinals, which began with him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, saw flashes of brilliance but was ultimately marked by inconsistency and injuries. He finished his time in Arizona with a 38-48-1 record as the starting quarterback. His most recent season, 2025, was cut short after just five games due to a midfoot sprain, during which he posted a 2-3 record. In his absence, Jacoby Brissett stepped in, showing some offensive promise with 3,366 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, though the team struggled to secure wins, finishing with a 1-11 record under his starting role. Brissett is now expected to be a strong contender for the starting position in 2026, especially as it's a contract year for him.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Murray's early career showed immense potential, including a 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year award and back-to-back Pro Bowl selections, his time in Arizona never quite reached the sustained heights many anticipated. His rookie year was particularly impressive, with 3,722 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, complemented by 544 rushing yards and 4 scores. The team even made the playoffs in his third year. However, a significant setback came with a torn ACL in 2022, which sidelined him for the remainder of that season and ushered in a period of rebuilding for the Cardinals.
And this is the part most people miss... The contract extension signed in the offseason following the playoff appearance, a massive $230.5 million deal with $160 million guaranteed, was a moment of significant investment, but it was also accompanied by some unusual negotiations, including the infamous (and later removed) study clause. This period, in hindsight, might be seen as the peak of his time in Arizona. His return in 2023 and a full season in 2024 saw him put up respectable numbers (68.8% completion, 3,851 yards, 21 TDs), but the team's overall success didn't follow.
Now, with Murray moving on, the Cardinals are looking for a fresh start at the quarterback position, while Murray himself has the opportunity to revitalize his promising career elsewhere.
What are your thoughts on this major shake-up? Do you think the Cardinals made the right call? And where do you see Kyler Murray landing next? Let us know in the comments below!
