Kyler Murray’s Future in Arizona Faces New Questions Ahead of 2026 Offseason

The Arizona Cardinals appear headed toward a pivotal offseason, one that could determine the long-term direction of the franchise and the future of quarterback Kyler Murray. The former No. 1 overall pick is currently on injured reserve with a foot injury, and the situation has opened the door to broader questions about his role moving forward. With veteran Jacoby Brissett performing well in his absence, the quarterback dynamic in Arizona has shifted in unexpected ways.

Murray’s injury and contract situation have made his status one of the most closely watched storylines entering 2026. The Cardinals invested heavily in the 27-year-old quarterback, but their struggles to consistently win games have renewed debate about the team’s overall direction. That debate has now extended to former players, analysts, and executives throughout the league.

One voice weighing in is former NFL safety Tyrann Mathieu, who offered pointed thoughts about Murray’s future during a recent interview with CasinoBeats. Mathieu, who once played for the Cardinals, said the franchise may benefit from a reset at the position if it cannot find sustained success with Murray under center. His comments added new fuel to ongoing speculation about whether Arizona could explore major changes.

The idea of a high-profile quarterback move has surfaced before, but rarely with this level of public endorsement from a respected veteran. As the offseason approaches, the conversation around Murray’s future — and the possible ripple effects across the league — continues to grow louder.

1. Mathieu Calls for a Fresh Start

Tyrann Mathieu did not shy away from his assessment of Arizona’s situation, arguing that the team’s investment in Murray has not resulted in the consistent wins expected of a franchise quarterback. In his view, the NFL remains a results-driven league, and both sides may benefit from a fresh beginning if the current formula isn’t working. “It’s a lot of money being thrown around to these quarterbacks,” Mathieu said, emphasizing that wins and losses ultimately define value. His comments underscored a growing leaguewide sentiment that the Cardinals may need to rethink their approach under center. Mathieu went further, suggesting Murray himself could use a change of scenery to revive his career. Injuries and inconsistent team success have complicated his tenure in Arizona, and Mathieu indicated that a new environment may help the quarterback regain his dynamic form. For the Cardinals, moving on would be significant financially, but Mathieu believes that sometimes both sides need a restart to regain momentum. His implication: the relationship between franchise and quarterback may be nearing a natural turning point.

2. A Surprising Fit: Murray in Miami?

Among Mathieu’s most intriguing comments was his suggestion that Murray would be a strong fit with the Miami Dolphins. He praised Murray’s versatility and playmaking ability, calling him one of the rare quarterbacks capable of “doing it all” when healthy. To Mathieu, Murray’s talent aligns well with Miami’s offensive structure — one built on speed, spacing, and creativity. Such a pairing would give the Dolphins a dual-threat option who could amplify the dynamic skill players already on the roster. However, a potential move to Miami raises immediate logistical questions. Most notably, the Dolphins already have a franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, who carries a massive $56 million cap hit in 2026. That financial reality makes any outright move difficult, if not unlikely, under normal circumstances. Still, Mathieu’s idea sparked debate about whether both teams might consider a rare quarterback-for-quarterback swap. While speculative, the notion highlights just how unsettled both franchises’ long-term plans could become as the offseason approaches.

3. High-Stakes Decisions Looming in 2026

The Cardinals face a significant financial decision regarding Murray, whose contract contains substantial guarantees and cap implications in the coming seasons. Any move involving him would require careful planning, whether through trade, restructure, or an unprecedented player swap. For Arizona, such a decision could mark a turning point in a long-term rebuild. Similarly, Miami’s situation with Tagovailoa is complex. His sizeable contract commitments make short-term maneuvering difficult, and the organization must weigh its belief in his long-term growth against the allure of a different style of quarterback. The Dolphins, like the Cardinals, may find themselves at a crossroads next spring. Around the league, rival teams and executives will be watching closely. Quarterback movement often reshapes competitive balance, and a trade involving either Murray or Tagovailoa would instantly become one of the biggest stories of the offseason. With injuries, cap figures, and performance all playing a role, the landscape remains fluid. What is clear is that the 2026 offseason appears primed for intrigue. Whether the Cardinals stay committed to Murray or pivot in a new direction, the ramifications will extend far beyond Arizona — potentially influencing quarterback markets, free agency strategies, and long-term roster planning across the NFL.