Report: Cardinals, Kyler Murray to have discussions to determine QB’s future in Arizona

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday that the Cardinals and Kyler Murray are expected to have extensive discussions regarding the quarterback’s future in Arizona.

Schefter said that both parties will discuss whether to move forward or go their separate ways. He added that sources said the latter option is likely, with one source saying “a separation is imminent.”

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro said on Saturday that the discussions regarding Murray’s future will take place after the season ends.

The news comes after the Cardinals announced on Tuesday that Jacoby Brissett would be the staring quarterback against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Brissett has started in place for Murray, who has missed the last three games with a foot injury. The Cardinals placed Murray on injured reserve on Wednesday and will now miss at least the next four games.

In five games this season, Murray has thrown for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions while adding 173 yards and a score on the ground. The Cardinals averaged 20.6 points per game and went 2-3.

Under Brissett, the Cardinals have gone 1-2 but have averaged 25.7 points per game. Brissett has played well, throwing for 860 yards and six touchdowns. He was one of the standouts in the Cardinals’ 27-17 victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, throwing for 261 yards and scoring three touchdowns in the win.

Kyler Murray’s contract situation with the Cardinals

Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with the Cardinals ahead of the 2022 season that will run through 2028. Murray signed the extension under former Cardinals general manager Steve Keim, who parted ways with the team at the end of the 2022 season.

Schefter noted that the Cardinals must decide by the offseason if they will trade Murray, release him or pay a $19.5 million guarantee that is due on the fifth day of the new league year. The new league year begins on March 11.

Murray is owed a base salary of $22.8 million in 2026 with a $17 million roster bonus and a $53.3 million cap hit, per Over the Cap. He is owed $19.5 million with a $43.5 million cap hit in 2027 and $34 million with a $46.5 million cap hit in 2028.

If the Cardinals cut Murray before June 1, Arizona would take on a $57.7 million dead cap hit. If he is cut after June 1, the cap hit would be divided into $50.5 million in 2026 and $7.2 million in 2027.

If Murray is traded, the Cardinals would create $35.3 million in cap savings with $17.9 million in dead cap.

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