Kyler Murray Released by Arizona Cardinals
Tee Espy
3/6/20262 min read
Arizona’s decision to release Kyler Murray closes one of the most ambitious quarterback experiments in franchise history. Seven years after selecting Murray with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Cardinals informed the quarterback that he will be released when the new league year begins on March 11, allowing him to enter free agency rather than remain under the remainder of his contract.¹
Murray arrived in Arizona as a rare dual-sport prospect and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma. He quickly justified the selection, winning the 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and establishing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks.² His early seasons included two Pro Bowl selections and a playoff appearance in 2021, the only postseason berth of his tenure with the franchise.¹
Over seven seasons with Arizona, Murray started 87 games and produced 20,460 passing yards with 121 touchdown passes against 60 interceptions.³ He also added a substantial rushing component, accumulating 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns during his time with the Cardinals.⁴ The combination of passing efficiency and mobility defined Arizona’s offensive structure throughout his tenure.
Team results, however, proved less consistent. In games Murray started, Arizona compiled a 38-48-1 record.⁵ The franchise reached the postseason only once during that span, falling to the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 Wild Card round.¹
Murray’s final season in Arizona was limited by injury. In 2025 he appeared in only five games, completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions before a foot injury ended his season.⁶ With a new coaching direction and roster reset underway, the organization chose to move on rather than carry the remaining financial obligations tied to his contract.¹
Once the release becomes official, Murray will enter the free-agent market as one of the most recognizable quarterbacks available. Early speculation has linked him to teams exploring quarterback solutions, including the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers.¹
At 28 years old, Murray’s career now enters a second phase. His first chapter in Arizona produced moments of elite production but only intermittent team success. The next franchise that acquires him will be betting that the same athletic traits and offensive versatility that once defined the Cardinals’ offense can still reshape another team’s future.
Notes
1. Arizona Cardinals announce plan to release Kyler Murray at start of new league year — ESPN.com reporting, March 2026.
2. Kyler Murray named 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year; two-time Pro Bowl selection — Pro-Football-Reference.com.
3. Kyler Murray career passing statistics (2019–2025) — Pro-Football-Reference.com.
4. Kyler Murray career rushing statistics — Pro-Football-Reference.com.
5. Arizona Cardinals record with Kyler Murray as starting quarterback: 38-48-1 — StatMuse / Pro-Football-Reference game logs.
6. Kyler Murray 2025 season statistics — NFL.com player statistics page.
