Arizona Cardinals Make Shocking Final Decision On QB Kyler Murray
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
As most expected, the Kyler Murray era in Arizona has come to an end.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Arizona Cardinals told Kyler Murray that they plan to release him. The guarantees in Murray’s contract mean the former No. 1 pick of the 2019 NFL Draft will only cost the minimum salary in free agency, Rapoport added.
The #AZCardinals have informed QB Kyler Murray that they are releasing him, adding a key free agent to the market.
Murray is due $36.8M guaranteed for 2026 with offsets, meaning he’ll play this season for someone for the minimum. pic.twitter.com/eS6ANmCsaZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2026
Murray also posted an emotional goodbye message to Cardinals fans on X/Twitter:
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…
— Kyler Murray (@K1) March 3, 2026
Last week, it was reported that Kyler Murray’s camp told the Cardinals he preferred to be released. With Murray’s wish granted, he immediately becomes the top quarterback available in a lackluster 2026 free agent QB class.
Per Pro Football Reference, Murray leaves Arizona with a 38-48-1 record, a 67.1 completion percentage for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, 60 interceptions, 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns.
Which Teams Could Pursue Kyler Murray?
The Miami Dolphins and New York Jets immediately stand out as logical landing spots for Murray. Miami is widely expected to release Tua Tagovailoa and send another former first-round pick to the open market.
New York might not release or trade Justin Fields because of his hefty salary, but they can’t run it back with him as the starter. So, perhaps they’d sign Murray to take over as the QB1 ASAP.
The Cleveland Browns don’t seem fully sold on Shedeur Sanders. So, new head coach Todd Monken could push for the front office to make a run at Murray. The Minnesota Vikings need to add competition for JJ McCarthy, though Murray might prefer to land somewhere that will promise him the starting job.
And if Aaron Rodgers retires or plays elsewhere, the Pittsburgh Steelers could definitely make a run at Murray.
