The Cardinals will release QB Kyler Murray when the new league year starts on Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. That's barring a trade happening before now and then -- which won't. Arizona owes Murray $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026, and another $19.5 million for 2017 would have triggered on March 15 if Murray was still on the roster. So this move has been expected for a while.
Murray in a post on X: "To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best. 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. Godspeed."
Murray's free agency is particularly interesting because of the offset language in his contract. That means the team that signs him next will only pay him the veteran minimum, which is a little less than $1.5 million.
That frees up virtually any team to sign Murray -- even cash-strapped franchises like the Vikings and Dolphins.
With a handful of teams in need of QB help -- the Jets, Steelers, and Browns, in addition to the Vikings and Dolphins -- Murray is a good bet to land a starting job. And that means he'll be a fantasy factor in 2026.
Murray is 28 years old now and a seven-year NFL veteran, so we know what he is: An average passer but a plus runner. Here's where he's finished among QBs in fantasy points per game in each of his seven seasons:
We'll see where Murray lands. But he's a good bet to at least be a quality QB2 in fantasy lineups. And he has upside into the top 12 -- particularly if he were to win the Vikings' starting job.
Murray's departure leaves Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis as the only QBs on the Cardinals' roster. They'll add to the group this offseason, but it's certainly possible that Brissett starts some, most, or even all of this coming season.
The veteran put up nice counting stats thanks to big volume last year. But he averaged a subpar 6.9 yards per pass attempt. He's averaged 6.6 for his career.
QB play stands as a valid concern for TE Trey McBride and WRs Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson at this point.
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