Cardinals Face Defining Decision on Kyler Murray’s Future Amid Injury and Contract Uncertainty

The Arizona Cardinals have entered another pivotal chapter in their ongoing saga with quarterback Kyler Murray. This week, the team placed Murray on injured reserve due to a midfoot sprain, sidelining him for at least four games. Yet beyond the injury, a larger decision looms — one that could redefine the franchise’s future.

By mid-March, the Cardinals must determine whether Murray remains their long-term answer under center or if it’s time to move on. On the fifth day of the new league year, $19.5 million of Murray’s 2027 salary becomes guaranteed, raising the financial stakes of any decision. The team must choose between retaining him, trading him, or absorbing a costly release.

According to multiple sources, discussions between the organization and Murray’s camp are expected to intensify this offseason. While both sides are said to be open-minded, one source told ESPN that “a separation is imminent,” hinting that the former No. 1 overall pick’s time in Arizona may be nearing its end.

Still, with the season far from over, and Murray recovering, the Cardinals are likely to weigh every factor carefully before committing to a path forward. His absence opens the door for veteran Jacoby Brissett to showcase his value — and perhaps influence how Arizona evaluates its quarterback situation.

1. Brissett Steps In as Cardinals Seek Stability

Murray’s injury thrusts Jacoby Brissett into the starting role once again, and some around the league believe his presence offers a steadier, more efficient offensive approach. Through three games with Brissett at the helm, the Cardinals have gone 1-2 while averaging 25.7 points and 357 total yards per contest — numbers that notably surpass those recorded under Murray this season. In contrast, with Murray starting, Arizona has gone 2-3, averaging just 18.8 points and 288 yards per game. While such comparisons can be oversimplified, they’ve fueled internal debates about which quarterback better fits coach Jonathan Gannon’s system. The Cardinals’ coaching staff has praised Brissett’s leadership and decision-making, particularly his ability to manage the offense efficiently and sustain drives. For a team trying to reestablish its identity, those traits carry weight. Still, Murray’s talent and ceiling remain undeniable. A two-time Pro Bowler and former Offensive Rookie of the Year, he possesses dynamic athleticism that few quarterbacks can match. But as he battles injuries and inconsistent results, Arizona’s front office faces a difficult balance between potential and practicality.

2. Financial and Contractual Stakes Loom Large

Beyond the field, Murray’s contract remains the central factor shaping Arizona’s decision. He is guaranteed $36.8 million next season, including his 2026 base salary and part of a roster bonus. However, the key trigger date in mid-March complicates matters — if Murray remains on the roster, an additional $19.5 million from his 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed. Should the Cardinals release Murray before June 1, they would absorb a staggering $57.7 million in dead cap money. Releasing him after June 1 would split the hit into $50.5 million in 2026 and $7.2 million in 2027. A trade, on the other hand, would save the franchise $35.3 million in cap space while leaving behind $17.9 million in dead money — a far more manageable option. These numbers will undoubtedly influence how general manager Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon — both of whom joined the organization after Murray’s extension — evaluate their next move. Neither was involved in drafting or re-signing Murray, and that detachment could make a parting more likely. Some league insiders even speculate that Arizona’s cautious handling of Murray’s injury mirrors a broader NFL trend. Teams such as the Broncos and Giants have faced similar dilemmas with expensive, underperforming quarterbacks and have moved to limit injury guarantees by reducing their playtime late in the year.

3. Murray’s Commitment and Uncertain Future

Despite the speculation, Murray has remained outwardly committed to the team. During his most recent media appearance on Oct. 1, he spoke optimistically about the Cardinals’ new training facility set to open in 2028, saying, “I hope I’m here to see it.” His comments reflected both his loyalty and the uncertainty surrounding his future in Arizona. Coach Gannon emphasized that placing Murray on injured reserve was a joint decision between the player, the coaching staff, and his representatives. “He’s fully committed,” Gannon said Wednesday. “Right now, what he’s going to concentrate on is getting healthy. He’s not healthy enough to play. He needs to get healthy so he can get back to playing football.” Murray is eligible to return in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams on December 7. Whether he does — and how he performs upon return — could significantly impact the team’s offseason deliberations. In the meantime, the Cardinals will continue evaluating their offensive direction under Brissett, all while quietly preparing for one of the most consequential decisions in franchise history.