The Arizona Cardinals appear finally ready to cut ties with their former No. 1 pick, quarterback Kyler Murray, as they look towards rebuilding under a new head coach next season.
Murray joined the team in 2019 out of Oklahoma, and many believed he could become the next game-changing quarterback. However, criticisms soon mounted as the team failed to deliver the sort of results fans might have expected.
They reached the NFL Playoffs in his third season as quarterback with an 11-6 record, but suffered an early exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. The team had a disappointing string of seasons after that, including back-to-back 4-13 seasons.
Despite showing some promise with an 8-8 finish in 2024, the team regressed this past season, achieving just 3 wins and a high draft pick. On Tuesday, ESPN reported (via sources) that Murray’s release will occur next Wednesday.
He issued a statement after becoming informed of his upcoming release, in which he apologized for failing to achieve a significant goal with the Cardinals.
“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,” he wrote in his X message.
“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 brothers nothing but the best,” Murray said, finishing with, “I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever's next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it. Godspeed..”
Fans reacted to Murray’s message with supportive messages about his time in Arizona or suggestions for where he should play next.
“Made Cardinals football fun again after Larry retired, thank you k1,” an X reply said.
Others wrote, “All love goat, wish the best for you,” and “Ball out wherever you go next. Rooting for you and wish you the best k1.”
The Cardinals are looking to rebuild, with a reboot underway. They parted ways with head coach Jonathan Gannon after the season and hired Mike LaFleur as the new head coach. Arizona also holds the third pick in April’s NFL Draft.
ESPN notes that Murray, a former Heisman Trophy winner, has over 20,000 passing yards and more than 2,000 rushing yards so far in his career, a feat that only two others have accomplished: former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton and Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.
In seven seasons, Murray has 32 rushing touchdowns, 121 passing touchdowns, and 60 interceptions.
Some of the teams that X commenters suggested for Murray’s next landing spot included the struggling New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings, where he could start in place of JJ McCarthy.
Minnesota has a strong chance of landing Murray, but DraftKings odds show the Jets as favorites. The Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers are also getting some relevance in the conversation.
Murray’s official release occurs next Wednesday, which coincides with the official start of the new NFL calendar year.
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