Kyler Murray set for Cardinals exit: Where next for the Arizona QB?

Six years ago, the Arizona Cardinals selected Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. Now, they are ready to cut ties with the quarterback.

The Cardinals sit bottom of the NFC West and Murray has not played since a home loss to the Tennessee Titans in early October. Earlier this week Arizona head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that Jacoby Brissett is now the first-choice quarterback, leaving Murray to consider his options.

ESPN reports that the Cardinals are planning to move on from Murray in the upcoming offseason. A source is quoted as saying that “a separation is imminent.”

Even at the end of the 2025 season, Murray will still have two years remaining on the five-year, $230 million contract signed in 2022. He could represent a significant financial burden for the Cardinals, with a $53.3 million salary cap hit for the 2026 season.

In his five games as starter this year Murray has gone 2-3 and the team only scored more than 21 points on one occasion. Brissett has looked like a much better option for the team and Murray is now considered surplus to requirements in Arizona.

Despite his recent struggles there is no doubt that Murray has the ability to be a top QB in the NFL. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and followed that up with two Pro Bowl appearances in 2020 and 2021.

Looking ahead to the offseason, it is easy to see why teams in need of an experienced quarterback may turn to Murray. The New York Jets have freed up a considerable amount of cap space with the trades of Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams this week and could look to Murray as a potential new franchise QB. Alternatively, the Pittsburgh Steelers have built a win-now roster but may only have a single year of Aaron Rodgers behind center. Should he not be extended through 2026, Murray could be a replacement for Rodgers.

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