Cardinals' Surprising Move: Cutting Kyler Murray Seven Years After Drafting Him
The Arizona Cardinals have made a surprising decision, cutting quarterback Kyler Murray just seven years after drafting him as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019. This move comes as a shock to many fans and analysts, who had expected Murray to be a cornerstone of the team for years to come.
Murray, 28, is owed a significant amount of guaranteed money, including $36.8 million in 2026 and another $19.5 million for 2027, which would have been triggered if he remained on the roster by March 15. Despite his talent, Murray's time in Arizona has been marked by mixed results and a single playoff appearance in 2021, where they lost to the Los Angeles Rams.
In a heartfelt farewell message on social media, Murray expressed his gratitude for the support he and his family received during his time in Arizona. He also acknowledged his desire to end the team's 77-year drought without a championship, a goal he unfortunately couldn't achieve.
Murray's performance as a starter has been inconsistent, with a record of 38-48-1. He made 87 starts for the Cardinals, accumulating 20,460 passing yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions. However, his benching in Week 6 of the 2025 season for Jacoby Brissett hinted at the team's growing dissatisfaction with his performance.
The Cardinals' recent hiring of new head coach Mike LaFleur and general manager Monti Ossenfort signals a fresh start for the franchise. With this move, they are wiping the slate clean and embarking on a new era in 2026, leaving the door open for a potential trade or a fresh start with a different quarterback.
