Kyler Murray’s Trade Market Is Thin - And That’s a Problem for the Cardinals
GLENDALE - The writing’s been on the wall since Week 9, when Kyler Murray was benched without much fanfare. Now, with the offseason in full swing, the Arizona Cardinals are actively working the phones to find a trade partner for their former No. 1 overall pick. But there’s a clock ticking - and it’s loud.
Murray’s contract becomes guaranteed just four days after the new league year kicks off on March 15. That gives Arizona a tight window to move the two-time Pro Bowler before they’re locked into a hefty financial commitment. And so far, the market hasn’t exactly been buzzing.
A Franchise QB - With a Franchise-Sized Contract
Here’s the challenge: Murray’s deal is massive. He’s owed more than $78 million over the 2026 and 2027 seasons, and teams won’t have a clean out until 2028. That kind of financial baggage makes it tough to find a willing trade partner - especially one ready to give up meaningful draft capital.
Take ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, for example. In a recent mock scenario, he floated the idea of Arizona sending Murray and a sixth-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for just a fourth-rounder. That’s not exactly the kind of return you’d expect for a player once seen as the face of the franchise.
And yet, it might reflect the reality of the situation. The Cardinals aren’t just trying to get value - they’re trying to get out from under a contract that’s limiting their flexibility. As Barnwell noted, this could be less about waiting for the perfect offer and more about taking the best one that comes across the table.
Limited Suitors, Complicated Cap Math
The real issue isn’t Murray’s talent - it’s the combination of his contract and the current quarterback landscape. Several teams have been loosely linked to the 28-year-old, including the Vikings, Dolphins, and Steelers. But all three are dealing with their own salary cap hurdles, making a deal far from straightforward.
That’s what makes this such a tricky spot for Arizona. They’re sitting on roughly $40 million in cap space right now, and could free up as much as $50 million more by cutting certain veterans and moving Murray’s deal off the books. From that lens, a trade is less about stockpiling picks and more about creating breathing room - and fast.
A New Chapter, But at What Cost?
This is a franchise clearly heading in a new direction. The decision to bench Murray midseason wasn’t just about performance - it was a signal. And with a new coaching staff in place for 2026, it’s fair to assume those conversations included a roadmap that didn’t feature Murray at the center.
Still, for a player who once represented the future of the franchise, the idea of parting ways for a Day 3 pick is a tough pill to swallow. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL - and how much contracts can complicate even the most obvious moves.
The Cardinals have some tough decisions ahead. But one thing’s clear: if they want to reshape this roster and maximize their cap space heading into free agency, finding a way to move Kyler Murray - even at a discount - might be the first domino that needs to fall.