Phoenix AZ – March 5, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
When will Kyler Murray officially be released by the Arizona Cardinals?
Kyler Murray is set to be released by the Arizona Cardinals on March 11, 2026, unless a trade is completed before the start of the new league year.
What is the financial impact of Kyler Murray’s departure on the Cardinals in 2026?
The Cardinals will incur a dead cap hit of approximately $54.7 million in 2026 due to Murray’s guaranteed money and the timing of his release.
Why are the Cardinals releasing Kyler Murray now?
The release timing, confirmed on March 5, 2026, is strategic to prevent an additional $19.5 million of his 2027 salary from becoming fully guaranteed by March 15.
Where could Kyler Murray potentially play in the 2026 NFL season?
Potential landing spots for Kyler Murray include teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons, where he could be an attractive veteran option.
The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly parting ways with quarterback Kyler Murray, marking a significant transition for the franchise as they look towards the 2026 NFL season. This decision, confirmed on March 5, 2026, will result in a substantial dead cap hit for the team, initiating a new chapter for their offense and sparking discussions about future leadership. The Cardinals plan to release Murray unless a trade is secured before the new league year begins.
Arizona Cardinals and Kyler Murray Part Ways, Signaling New Era for Franchise
The Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray are reportedly parting ways, marking a significant transition for the organization as it looks ahead to the 2026 NFL season. This development, confirmed on March 5, 2026, initiates a new chapter for the Cardinals’ roster and has immediately ignited discussions about who will lead Arizona’s offense in the upcoming year.
What Does Murray’s Departure Mean for the Cardinals’ Roster?
The decision to move on from Kyler Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, represents a major shift in the Cardinals’ direction and leadership. The team officially plans to release him at the start of the new league year on March 11, 2026, unless a trade can be completed beforehand. Murray is owed $36.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026, and his release before March 15 prevents an additional $19.5 million of his 2027 salary from becoming fully guaranteed. This strategic move will result in a dead cap hit of approximately $54.7 million for the Cardinals in 2026.
The Path to Murray’s Departure from Arizona
Murray’s seven-year tenure with the Cardinals, which included winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and earning two Pro Bowl berths, concludes after a period marked by both flashes of talent and inconsistent team success. The relationship between Murray and the franchise reportedly shifted as early as the end of the 2024 season, with a sentiment growing that Murray needed to prove his worth following his lucrative 2022 contract extension. Injuries played a role, with Murray playing in 11 games in 2022, eight in 2023, and only five in the 2025 season due to a foot injury. During the 2025 season, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett performed well in Murray’s absence, leading to speculation and what some characterized as a “soft benching” of Murray.
Who Will Lead the Cardinals Offense in 2026?
With Murray’s departure, the Arizona Cardinals face the crucial task of identifying their next starting quarterback. While Jacoby Brissett, who is under contract through next season, could serve as a bridge option, the team is expected to explore various avenues, including free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. Potential veteran targets like Aaron Rodgers have been mentioned, alongside rookie prospects such as Ty Simpson. There is also speculation about the Cardinals potentially targeting players like Malik Willis in free agency. The team’s general manager, Monti Ossenfort, had previously indicated that “all options are on the table” regarding the quarterback position, foreshadowing this significant roster change.
What’s Next for Kyler Murray?
Following the news of his impending release, Kyler Murray posted a farewell message on social media, expressing gratitude to fans and regret for not delivering a championship. He conveyed a forward-looking perspective, stating his belief that his “best ball is in front of him” and that he is prepared for new challenges. With the Cardinals absorbing the significant guaranteed money, Murray is expected to be available for a veteran minimum salary in 2026, making him an attractive option for teams seeking an experienced starter. Teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons have been cited as potential landing spots for the 28-year-old quarterback.
Key Details of Kyler Murray’s Departure from the Arizona Cardinals
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of News | March 5, 2026 |
| Official Release Date | March 11, 2026 (start of new league year) |
| Guaranteed Money Owed to Murray (2026) | $36.8 million |
| Cardinals’ Dead Cap Hit (2026) | Approximately $54.7 million |
| Reason for Release Timing | To avoid an additional $19.5 million guaranteed for 2027 by March 15. |
| Murray’s Tenure with Cardinals | 7 seasons (drafted 2019) |
| Potential Cardinals QB Replacements | Jacoby Brissett, rookie Ty Simpson, veteran Aaron Rodgers, Malik Willis |
| Potential Landing Spots for Murray | Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
