The Arizona Cardinals have officially closed the book on the Kyler Murray era. The team informed the former No. 1 overall pick that he will be released on March 11, the first day of the new NFL league year. What followed was a social media farewell, a flood of hot takes, and a First Take debate that cut straight to the heart of it — Louis Riddick, Stephen A. Smith, and Kimberley A. Martin pulling no punches on whether Murray ever deserved the franchise quarterback label in the first place.
A Career Built on Promise and Derailed by Injury
On paper, Murray’s seven seasons in Arizona tell a complicated story. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021, and led the Cardinals to their first playoff berth since 2015. That performance earned him a five-year, $230.5 million extension heading into 2022. Then the wheels came off.
A torn ACL cut his 2022 season short. Injuries limited him further in 2023 and again in 2025, when a foot injury ended his season after just five games. His final record in Arizona — 38-48-1 — tells the story of a quarterback who could never fully deliver on his enormous promise. Over his career, he completed 67.1 percent of his passes for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions. Solid numbers — but not ones that justified the contract Arizona handed him.
What the First Take Panel Really Thinks About Kyler Murray
Louis Riddick did not mince words. His position was clear — he never was a true franchise quarterback, and the Cardinals paid dearly for believing otherwise. Stephen A. Smith and Kimberley A. Martin added their own layers to the conversation, touching on whether the organization itself deserves a share of the blame for how this situation unraveled. The consensus leaned toward a shared failure — a quarterback who could not stay healthy and a franchise that built too little around him to find out what he truly was.
The debate is a fair one. When healthy, Murray was dynamic
- 68.8 percent completion rate in 2024 — his highest since 2021
- 21 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions that same season
- 572 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns in 2024
- A career passer rating of 92.2
But availability is the best ability, and Murray could not provide it consistently enough for Arizona to justify his price tag.
The Contract That Broke the Cardinals Era
The financial fallout from releasing Murray is staggering. The Cardinals will absorb roughly $54.7 million in dead cap charges as a result of the move. Arizona explored every avenue to trade him at the NFL Scouting Combine, but no team was willing to take on his contract. The decision to release rather than trade ultimately came down to avoiding a $19.5 million salary guarantee that would have triggered on March 15 if Murray remained on the roster.
He will likely play for a fraction of his previous earnings in 2026, as Arizona still owes him $36.8 million in guaranteed money regardless of where he lands. That financial reality makes him one of the most intriguing low-cost options on the free agent market.
Where Does Kyler Murray Go From Here
At 28 years old, Murray is not finished. Several quarterback-needy teams are already circling. The Minnesota Vikings, still searching for a long-term answer at the position, are expected to show interest. The Atlanta Falcons are another team worth watching. Murray posted a farewell message on social media that was equal parts gratitude and defiance — I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it.
There is also a wildcard option that has generated genuine buzz. He was drafted No. 9 overall in the 2018 MLB Draft as an elite outfielder, and the Athletics still retain his rights. A return to baseball is unlikely, but the fact that it is being discussed at all speaks to just how unusual Murray’s career path has been from the very beginning.
Arizona Starts Over at the Most Important Position
For Arizona, the move signals a full reset at the most important position in football. Jacoby Brissett is under contract through the 2026 season, while the Cardinals will explore free agency and the 2026 draft to find their next quarterback. The franchise has not made the playoffs since that lone appearance in 2021. The Murray chapter is closed — and the search for what comes next begins immediately.
Source: ESPN
