Regardless of how 2025 unfolds, the Arizona Cardinals will have a tough task in deciding the future of the quarterback position.
If the Cardinals do well, the quarterback could ask for an extension and more financial security. If they falter, it could be the end of Murray’s tenure — and the end for the coaching staff and front office.
What’s the most likely outcome, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano?
He actually sees a positive outcome for Arizona and its quarterback, who has a single playoff appearance on his six-year NFL resume.
The Cardinals have a good enough season, maybe even contend for or snag a playoff spot, and stay the course with Murray through at least 2026. If Murray plays well enough, he could be in position to ask for an extension that offers him more security than his current deal.
Murray has about $40 million in guarantees for the 2026 season, according to Graziano, and that makes him likely to remain in place at the very least.
A long shot, and least optimistic, outcome is that the 2025 season completely collapses and Murray, along with the front office and coaching staff, are all gone. All that would put the Cardinals into contention for a top quarterback prospect in the next draft, a class that includes Texas’ Arch Manning, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt.
If it’s that bad and Arizona wants to cut Murray after the 2025 season, Graziano calculates that Arizona would have to eat about $58 million.
Murray has proven to be an above-adequate starting QB, ranking in the top 10 in QBR last season, but he has failed to live up to the hype of a No. 1 overall pick.
It’s easy to live in the present as an Arizona Cardinals fan. The season opener is around the corner, and expectations for the Cardinals are pointing towards the playoffs or at least a push to the playoffs.
But it’s never too early to start thinking ahead.