The Arizona Cardinals find themselves at a crossroads with quarterback Kyler Murray, and the offseason buzz is all about whether they'll move on from their former top pick. With the arrival of new head coach Mike LaFleur, previously the Rams' offensive coordinator, the speculation is heating up.
LaFleur, addressing the situation, emphasized that the team is keeping all options on the table. "Just like everything else on the roster, open conversations in this building," he noted, reinforcing that there's no set timeline for making a decision.
The financial stakes are high. Murray's contract includes $19.5 million in guarantees for 2027 that will kick in if he's still on the roster after March 15th. He's already set to earn $36.8 million in guarantees for 2026, making the decision even more crucial for the Cardinals' future.
Murray's 2025 season was cut short due to a foot sprain in Week 5. Initially kept on the active roster, it seemed like he was on the brink of returning. However, the Cardinals opted to start veteran Jacoby Brissett and placed Murray on injured reserve, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
Drafted first overall in 2019, Murray made headlines by choosing the NFL over a promising baseball career with the Oakland A's. His initial four-year deal with Arizona was worth over $35 million, including a hefty signing bonus. The Cardinals picked up his fifth-year option, and in 2022, they inked him to a massive five-year, $230.5 million extension, with $160 million guaranteed.
In limited action last season, Murray played in five games, completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 173 yards and a touchdown. As the Cardinals weigh their options, the decision on Murray will undoubtedly shape the team's trajectory for years to come.