Arizona Cardinals expected to release QB Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray is expected to be released by the Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray is expected to be released by the Arizona CardinalsPhoto by CHRISTIAN PETERSEN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

The Arizona Cardinals are expected to release former first overall pick Kyler Murray, per several sources.

Kyler Murray, 28, started 87 games for the Cardinals after being picked first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft following a stellar college career at Oklahoma, where he won the 2018 Heisman Trophy. In his 87 starts, Murray went 38-48-1 in the regular season.

The Arizona Cardinals reached the postseason once with Murray under center. After starting the 2021 NFL season 7-0, the Cardinals ended with an 11-6 record, after which the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cardinals 34-11 in the Wild Card Round.

Murray confirmed his departure from the Cardinals in a goodbye message posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"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. 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.

"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."

Murray leaves the Cardinals as quarterback with the third-most passing yards (20,460) and passing touchdowns (121) in franchise history, behind Jim Hart and Neil Lomax.

Late struggles

Kyler Murray's Cardinals career got off to a hot start after winning the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award following a rookie season with 3,722 passing yards, 24 total touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while being sacked a league-high 48 times.

Murray was voted a Pro Bowler in the next two season, but took a step back from 2022 onwards due to injury issues and eventually lost his starting job in 2025 to Jacoby Brissett - who's expected to take over as the Cardinals' starting quarterback - due to a midfoot sprain.

In his final four seasons in Glendale, right after signing a five-year contract extension worth $230.5 million with $160 million guaranteed, Murray posted 8,018 passing yards, 1,234 rushing yards and 62 total touchdowns, while also throwing 26 interceptions and going 16-25.

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