Kyler Murray’s short term future with the Arizona Cardinals just got a lot clearer. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that the quarterback is out for the remainder of the 2025 season. This decision has finally emerged out of constant scuttlebutt due to a frustrating foot ailment that has haunted Murray all year. His lack of presence has completely shifted the team’s offensive flow. Now, doubts about his long-term future with the franchise linger.
In July 2022, Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million extension. This new deal is for 4 years and $145 million total, with $105 million guaranteed. In 2026, that number is now $49.835 million. This total is fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2025 league year. Murray’s big contract adds even more financial complexity to the Cardinals’ options. Now as they decide his future, they need to tread thoughtfully with their decision.
If the Arizona Cardinals do move on from Murray with a June 1 release, their dead cap hit would be $50.6 million in 2026. At the same time, they’ll have to take on an extra $7.2 million by 2027. This move would provide very little cap relief, granting just $2.7 million in savings. If they choose to release him before June 1, the dead cap hit jumps to $57.8 million. This barely leaves the franchise any paint to work with financially.
If the Cardinals move him before June 1, they will take on a dead cap hit of $17.9 million. They would free up $35.3 million in cap savings. If they complete the trade after June 1, those dead cap hits will drop to $10.7 million in 2026 and $7.2 million in 2027. This timing would be compatible with a larger cap savings of $42.5 million.
Now the Cardinals are pursuing alternatives. If Murray remains on the roster, his 2027 base salary will become fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2026 league year. This unique situation is understandable and adds a layer of complexity to the organization’s already complex decision-making process.
With Murray out, veteran Jacoby Brissett assumed the starting QB role for the Cards. Under Brissett’s leadership, the team has seen an uptick in offensive production, averaging 372.1 yards overall and 284.1 passing yards per game. In those first five games with a healthy Murray, the Cardinals were on fuego. They couldn’t pass, finishing 127th in the country with a dreadful 170.2 passing yards per game. The unfortunate part of the offensive shift was how obviously Murray’s absence affected the team’s inability to perform.
With speculation surrounding Murray’s future, many sources within the league suggest that a separation between him and the Cardinals is increasingly likely. Another source put it just as dramatically, “A separation is inevitable. This signals tremendous progress, indicating that both sides are preparing for the next phase.
Other possible landing spots for Murray may be the New York Jets and the Philadelphia Eagles. Each team would be an intriguing new beginning for the talented quarterback if and when Arizona pulls the plug on the experiment. The Jets still are searching for their long-term answer under center. On the flip side, the Eagles view Murray as a perfect third piece that can really help solidify a championship level roster.
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