Kyler Murray’s future with the Arizona Cardinals is obviously in limbo at the moment. He has been placed on injured reserve with a midfoot sprain. Needless to say, this injury will sideline the quarterback for at least the next month. It would be a career defining moment for him if they did.
Murray’s injury means he’ll be out until at least Week 14. His returnal debut will likely come against the divisional rival Los Angeles Rams on December 7. With Watson suspended, the newly acquired Jacoby Brissett will likely start most or all of the season. Brissett’s performance so far has raised eyebrows. Under his leadership, the Cardinals have recorded a 1-2 record but averaged an impressive 25.7 points and 357 yards per game, compared to Murray’s 2-3 record with 18.8 points and 288 yards per game.
Yet the decision to put Murray on injured reserve was made after careful deliberation among the Cardinals’ upper management, Murray and his team’s representatives. The goal, again, was to maximize both Murray’s long-term durability and the team’s short-term success. As things continue to play out, the cloud of uncertainty hangs over Murray’s future with the team. Other reports have said, “a split is inevitable,” hinting at some tough discussions regarding Murray’s future that may lead to his exit.
The Cardinals have signaled intentions of having serious conversations to determine if they’re ready to go forward together or separate ways. Murray is poised to make $36.8 million in 2024. That total number reflects his base salary as well as most of his roster bonus. If the team chooses to cut him post-June 1st, they’ll face devastating cap implications. This is in addition to $50.5 million in dead money for 2026 and another $7.2 million in 2027.
Mid-March is an important date for the 10-person nonprofit’s main operations. If Murray is still under contract, then $19.5 million of his 2027 base salary would become guaranteed. This financial angle complicates the Cardinals’ decision-making even further.
During a recent media session on October 1, Murray expressed hope about being part of the team’s future endeavors, specifically mentioning the new training facility set to open in 2028: “I hope I’m here to see it.”
It’s going to be a very hard road for the Cardinals moving forward. They’ll have to balance Brissett’s short-term performance outlook with Murray’s long-term potential and financial obligations. The next few weeks will be decisive for Murray. To be successful, both he and the organization will need to blaze their trails together in the face of change.
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