Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon announced on Friday (via team reporter Darren Urban) that quarterback Kyler Murray would not play again this season.
Jacoby Brissett will remain Arizona’s starter for the rest of the season with Kedon Slovis serving as his backup. Any issues with either would likely bring practice squad quarterback Jeff Driskel into play.
Murray has not played since Week 5 due to a foot sprain. Initially, the Cardinals hoped that he would come back within a few weeks, but the injury continued to bother him through October. Murray was eventually placed on injured reserve on November 7, stirring doubt about his future in Arizona.
Gannon’s latest pronouncement will add fuel to that fire, though he clarified that a second opinion and a lack of progress regarding Murray’s foot was the driver behind this decision. But, when asked if Murray would be the team’s starter in 2026, Gannon would only say that he was “worried about the Rams,” the Cardinals’ next opponent, per ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss.
For the rest of this season, at least, Brissett will stay under center in Arizona. The 10-year veteran has started every game since Murray went down and averaged an impressive 312.6 passing yards per game. The Cardinals have gone 1-6 in that span, though, dropping them out of playoff contention and positioning them for a top-10 pick in next year’s draft.
Such a high draft pick could play a role in the Cardinals’ decision on Murray’s future this offseason. Gannon could have the opportunity to handpick his own quarterback – which he did not get to do with Murray – and immediately start retooling the team to reverse their recent struggles. Murray could also be an appealing asset on the trade market that could result in even more picks for Arizona to kickstart their rebuild.
If Murray has indeed played his last snap in Arizona, he will have finished with a 38-48-1 record in 87 starts, 235.2 passing yards per game, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions.
Big shocker there
Falcons swap Murray for Cousins, each need a change of scenery and each team needs a bridge to the next guy.
More time for call of duty.
Season / Ever
How bad is the cap hit if they trade him or release him?
About 57 mill which is horrible for a team trying to compete in the nfc west
Being a Cardinal fan, please let it be that they rid themselves of Murray, big mistake taking him as their QB 7 years ago. He has no pocket presence cannot read a defense to save his butt. It doesn’t matter release him or trade him just get rid of him. Take the hit if its 57 mil. Let him be someone else’s headache.
Could be a bridge guy for the jets. This QB class is lackluster they could take a flier an see what happens
Low IQ quarterback
If it’s a release then they’d probably designate it as a post-June 1st, which would net them about $5m ($5.7m gross).
A trade would save them $33.5m against the cap if the other team takes on his 2026 guaranteed salary.
Either way, they already have plenty of cap space if they want to recharge and retry next year.
What team would trade to take on that contract (which comes with, unfortunately, Kyler Murray)? Unless a couple of first round draft picks go with him, he’s AZ’s headache.
Welcome to Pittsburgh, Kyler.
That’s an odd way to spell New York…
Mac Jones is the better fit for the Steelers or the Jets.
Adios
That might be a wrap for Kyler in Arizona. Failed experiment and paid for nothing tbh
Now he can go play baseball
Believe that’s a benefit for the Cardinals. Kyler should go back to playing baseball
He isn’t going to Pittsburgh because Rodgers will return. Not a lot of NFL ready QBs to be had in the draft next spring so a lot of teams could be in on Kyler.
Rodgers is done after this year.
When you say, “in,” I assume that means after he’s cut, because no team is taking him with that contract.
Could see Kyler in Minnesota next year
Baby legs for Tua straight up who says no
Well, I’d say Chris Grier, but…
guess he’s played his last game in a cardinals uniform.. Vegas A’s/raiders both need a to make a undersize sideshow splash
I wouldn’t mind the Raiders giving him a shot *if* the acquisition cost wasn’t anything more than a single day three selection. That would allow them to take an OL early. If it doesn’t work out, you look at QB in the draft next year.
If the ask is anything more than a day three selection, no thanks.
I think for the Cardinals would just be glad to have the contract gone. The would probably accept a laundry basket full of used jockstraps in return.
Is there really a team in the league that would take on that contract AND give up significant draft compensation?
I don’t think so.
The compensation (picks) would need to go the opposite way. If he comes with two first round picks, maybe.
Add the fact that dude ain’t that good. Don’t forget to factor that into the equation.
I cannot imagine another team picking up that contract. Any trade that might happen we have Arizona picking up a good portion of the monies owed to Kyler
That’s a nine word headline that could probably be written in seven.
Still cashing checks though.
Murry an Russel Wilson’s time has passed as QB starters. It would be better they chose another line of work, maybe as a coach.
I guarantee you that Kyler will be the next QB of the Raiders lol