It’s been a few years since the drama between the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray. It has returned.
While the Cardinals haven’t made it clear they want to trade Murray, reports are already out.
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But the trade wasn’t what Murray had hoped for. According to Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano and Henry McKenna, Murray wants to be released when free agency begins because he believes he will be the best quarterback available and be able to sign with the team of his choice.
But on the other hand, a team source said the Cardinals are “frustrated” with Murray, citing the same criticism they leveled at Murray years ago before Jonathan Gannon became head coach. Sources also said Murray’s mobility was “hit” after he injured his foot.
We have to point out that putting him out there for writers to report on isn’t going to help the Cardinals trade him. He has three years left on his contract, all of his 2026 salary is guaranteed, and he will receive a $17 million roster bonus on March 15, which will guarantee his $19.5 million salary in 2027.
The trade will save the Cardinals $34.7 million in cap space and bring in $17.9 million in dead money.
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Why would a team trade a player who has lost his liquidity and has over $70 million guaranteed?
This just confirms the fact that they have to release Murray.
If Murray were released, since the Cardinals would be responsible for his entire 2026 salary, he would likely sign with a team at the league minimum and land on a team that might be good talent-wise, such as Minnesota, Indianapolis, Atlanta or even Kansas City.
However, releasing him means the Cardinals will carry more than $54.8 million in dead money and lose about $2 million in cap space, or they designate him for release after June 1 and hold his $52.7 million cap hit until after June 1, then save $5.1 million against the cap and carry $47.5 million in dead money this year and another $7.2 million in 2027.
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The new league year will begin on March 11. Murray’s roster bonus expires on March 15. While new head coach Mike LaFleur said there is no deadline on the quarterback decision, it appears there is.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Kyler Murray seeks release from Arizona Cardinals
