Cardinals Face Critical Decision Regarding Kyler Murray

The Cardinals are confronted with another significant choice about Kyler Murray’s future. After he was placed on injured reserve this Wednesday due to a leg injury sustained in Week 5, concerns are growing about what this means for him and the team.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned that the injury isn’t predicted to end his season. Murray might have a chance to come back, yet the Cardinals must determine if they want him as their quarterback moving forward or if they may consider letting him go.

A source implies that parting ways could be likely, stating, “parting is imminent.” Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Cardinals haven’t reached a conclusion yet regarding his future, but talks are expected to happen about his role with the team.

Murray is set to receive a guaranteed $36.835 million next year, and if he remains on the roster by March 5, 2027, the Cardinals would have to pay him an additional $19.5 million.

If they decide to release him before June 1, the team would face a $57.7 million dead cap hit. If they wait until after, that burden lessens to $50.5 million in 2026 and $7.2 million in 2027, according to reports. Alternatively, trading him could save $35.3 million against the cap, but it would still leave $17.9 million in dead money.

Murray has been a part of the Cardinals since being the top overall pick out of Texas A&M in 2019. Unfortunately, the team’s performance during his tenure has been underwhelming—only one winning season (11-6) and one playoff appearance in 2021, ending in a loss to the Rams in the wild-card round.

With Murray currently sidelined on IR, convincing anyone of his roster viability will be a challenge. There were already whispers about the Cardinals considering him for a bench role.

His potential return won’t happen until December 7 against the Rams in Week 14, though Gannon is hopeful. He stated, “That’s true. [hope that happens].” For now, what matters is that Murray focuses on taking care of his health and getting back into shape.

Replacing him, Jacoby Brissett is expected to remain the starting quarterback after stepping in due to Murray’s midfoot sprain. Brissett has performed respectably over the last three games, passing for 860 yards, with six touchdowns and a single interception, contributing to the team’s 1-2 record in that stretch.

Murray’s record this season stands at 2-3 as a starter, with an 88.6 quarterback rating. Coach Gannon appreciates Brissett’s mindset, explaining, “He does his job, takes it one day at a time, prepares when he’s not a starter, and prepares to be a starter.” It’s clear that Brissett understands that his role can change at any moment.