Is the Kyler Murray Era in Arizona Coming to a Close? A Crossroads Looms for QB and Cardinals
Kyler Murray’s 2025 season is officially over-and his time with the Arizona Cardinals might be, too.
The former No. 1 overall pick hasn’t seen the field since October 5, when he went down with a foot injury in a Week 5 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. What initially seemed like a setback with a manageable recovery timeline has turned into a season-ending issue.
Despite efforts to rehab and return, the foot just didn’t respond the way the team-or Murray-had hoped. Now, with the offseason looming, the conversation has shifted from “when will he return?”
to “where will he play next?”
That’s not just media chatter. Around the league, the sense is growing that the next time Murray steps onto an NFL field, it could be in a different uniform.
One name that’s surfaced in the rumor mill? The Las Vegas Raiders.
A Trade That Could Shake Things Up
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright stirred the pot over the weekend when he floated the idea of a potential trade involving Murray and Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. The Raiders had just placed Crosby on season-ending injured reserve, and Allbright hinted at a possible offseason deal that could send Murray to Vegas along with draft picks in exchange for Crosby.
It’s an intriguing hypothetical. The Raiders are in quarterback limbo-again.
Geno Smith hasn’t been the long-term answer, and the organization is clearly on the hunt for a franchise QB who can elevate the offense. Murray, despite the injury history, still has the talent and upside to be that guy.
He just might need a fresh start to get back to the dynamic playmaker we saw earlier in his career.
The Contract Complication
Of course, talent is only part of the equation. Murray’s contract is a major factor in any potential move.
He’s signed through 2028, and he’s due $36.8 million in guaranteed money next season. That’s not pocket change, and it’s a figure that could scare off some quarterback-needy teams.
If Arizona is serious about moving him, they may need to eat a portion of that salary to make a deal work. It wouldn’t be unprecedented-teams have done it before to offload big deals-but it’s a move that signals a hard reset.
Injury History: A Real Consideration
There’s no question that Murray’s injury history is part of the conversation. Since entering the league, he’s missed 30 games due to various injuries, including the ACL tear that ended his 2022 season. That injury came just as he was hitting his stride in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, where he looked like one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks.
Now, any team considering a move for Murray has to weigh the risk: Can he stay healthy? Can he return to form? It’s a gamble-but one that might be worth it for a team that believes in his ceiling.
Cardinals at a Crossroads
Head coach Jonathan Gannon didn’t sugarcoat things when asked about Murray’s season ending. He said he was “disappointed”-a word that carries weight when it comes from the man tasked with leading the franchise forward. The Cardinals are clearly in transition, and the decision on Murray could define the next few years of the rebuild.
Do they stick with him, hoping he gets healthy and returns to form? Or do they move on, potentially targeting a quarterback in the draft or via trade?
All It Takes Is One Team
In the NFL, it only takes one team to believe. One front office to say, “We can fix him.”
One coaching staff to say, “He fits our system.” And one owner willing to take on the contract and the risk.
Kyler Murray is still just 28. He’s a former Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowler, and one of the most electric athletes at the quarterback position when healthy.
He’s not washed. He’s not done.
But he might be done in Arizona.
As the offseason approaches, keep an eye on Vegas-and any other team looking for a spark at quarterback. The next chapter of Murray’s career might already be in motion.