Kyler Murray’s hold on the Arizona Cardinals’ starting job has never felt this fragile. The 2019 top pick went from Arizona’s centerpiece to a question mark in only a few weeks. His future now sits at a financial and football crossroads.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks on from the field before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks on from the field before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Murray is owed $42.5 million in 2026, with $39.8 million already guaranteed. Another $19.5 million locks in for 2027 if he stays on the roster through mid-March of 2026.
That’s the challenge for general manager Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon, who inherited the quarterback and his massive deal from the previous regime.
Before his Week 5 foot injury, Murray’s efficiency had slipped. His2025 Total QBR stands at 44.2, ranking 25th out of 33 quarterbacks.
He posted a career-high sack rate of nine percent and a career-low six yards per attempt, the fourth-worst mark in the league. When Jacoby Brissett stepped in, Arizona’s offense looked smoother.
The Cardinals climbed from 25th to 12th in points per drive with Brissett under center. He benefited from better field position and a steadier running game, but his presence raised questions about whether the offense still fits Murray’s style.
Adding to the intrigue, the team delayed placing Murray on injured reserve until four weeks after his injury.
That move conveniently gave Brissett time to prove himself without forcing Gannonto bench his franchise quarterback publicly. The Cardinals insist the delay was due to medical reasons, but the timing raised eyebrows across the league.
Jacoby Brissett Winning Streak Turns Up Heat on Kyler Murray
Arizona sits at 3-6 with one of the toughest remaining schedules in the NFL. A late surge with Murray could settle things for now, but if Brissett keeps winning, the front office might look elsewhere. Murray’s deal makes a trade difficult, but not impossible.
Cutting him would mean absorbing heavy costs, though trading him could save around $35 million in cap space and nearly $40 million in cash.
A new team would likely inherit either a one-year $62 million obligation or a two-year $78.8 million deal, depending on when the move happens.
The Russell Wilson situation in Denver showed that even enormous guarantees can’t stop a reset. Arizona could choose the same route if it means avoiding more future guarantees from kicking in.
For now, Murray’s return remains uncertain. If Brissett continues to succeed, the Cardinals could face a difficult decision about whether to move on from their former franchise cornerstone before his contract becomes restrictive.