Cardinals inform Kyler Murray they plan to release him: Sources

The Arizona Cardinals have informed Kyler Murray that they plan to release him next Wednesday on the first day of the league year, sources on Tuesday confirmed to The Athletic. The decision is the first, and biggest, step in Arizona’s quest to find its next franchise quarterback. It also ends Murray’s seven-year run in the desert.

Murray, the No. 1 pick of the 2019 NFL draft, had moments — he made two Pro Bowls — but he never lived up to expectations. He was 38-48-1 as a starter. He never won a playoff game. Last season, Murray played in only five games because of a foot injury suffered in an embarrassing Week 5 home loss to the Tennessee Titans.

For many Cardinals fans, their last memory of Murray is a snap he wasn’t expecting, one that bounced off his face mask and landed on the grass, a fumble that contributed to the Tennessee loss. Murray never played for the Cardinals again after that Oct. 5 setback. He finished the season on injured reserve and speculation on his future spiked.

“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,” Murray posted on social media.

“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.

“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.”

This move was not unexpected. Murray, 28, already is guaranteed $36.8 million next season. Another $19.5 million of his 2027 salary would have become guaranteed March 15 had Murray remained on the Arizona roster. A telling sign surfaced last month at the team’s groundbreaking of a new facility in North Phoenix. Several top players, including tight end Trey McBride, receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr., and safety Budda Baker, attended. Murray did not.

The Cardinals are in transition, a familiar spot for the struggling organization. After finishing 3-14 last season, owner Michael Bidwill fired coach Jonathan Gannon. On Feb. 1, Arizona hired Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and is expected to rebuild the roster to try to stay competitive in the difficult NFC West.

After a strong start in Arizona, Murray signed a five-year extension in 2022 worth $230.5 million. The Cardinals expected Murray to take the next step in his quarterback development but it never came. Injuries contributed, notably an ACL tear suffered five months after the extension.

In five games last season, Murray completed 68.3 percent of his attempts for 982 yards and six touchdowns with three interceptions. Over his Arizona career, Murray threw for 20,460 yards and ran for 3,193. When healthy, Murray still can be difficult to defend, mostly because of his ability to turn broken plays into big gains.

Asked in January if Murray can still be an effective NFL starter, then-Cardinals quarterback coach Israel Woolfork did not hesitate. “He’s a proven guy in the NFL and I think he’s put this team in position to win games,” he said. “You saw that earlier this year. I think the biggest thing for him is just, it’s frustrating from an injury standpoint that he couldn’t put himself back on the field.”

It is unclear how the Cardinals plan to replace Murray. Jacoby Brissett, 33, remains under contract through the 2026 season. The journeyman quarterback put up solid numbers after Murray’s injury last season but won only once in 12 starts. The Cardinals could find a quarterback in free agency such as Malik Willis. They also have the No. 3 pick in April’s NFL Draft.