The Arizona Cardinals could be on the verge of a major roster shakeup before free agency begins. Chatter out of the NFL Scouting Combine suggests Arizona is expected to move on from a Pro Bowl veteran and quarterback, Kyler Murray. With new head coach Mike LaFleur in place, the Cardinals appear positioned for significant change after a 3-14 season.
Combine Buzz Points to James Conner, Kyler Murray Decisions
NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry included the Cardinals in his annual combine roundup from Indianapolis, noting that what he heard was based on league chatter and informed speculation rather than confirmed reporting.
“Arizona is expected to release James Conner,” Berry wrote. “And unless they re-sign Conner for a cheaper deal, they will likely go into the season with Trey Benson and a “lower end” free agent RB to pair with him and have them be a RBBC. Think someone like Rachaad White or Tyler Allgeier.”
Conner signed a two-year, $19 million extension in November 2024 and was highly productive as recently as that season, totaling 1,508 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games. However, his 2025 campaign ended in Week 3 due to a season-ending ankle injury. He will turn 31 before the 2026 season and is less than a year removed from major ankle surgery, which clouds his outlook.
Arizona also lost Benson, a 2024 third-round pick, after Week 4 due to a knee injury. If Conner is released, Benson would likely receive the first opportunity to lead the backfield, potentially alongside a lower-cost veteran addition.
The uncertainty does not stop at running back. Berry also indicated Murray’s time in Arizona is likely nearing its end, stating he does not expect the quarterback to return to the Cardinals next season. Trade possibilities appear limited, suggesting a release.
Financial timing plays a role. Per Spotrac, $19.5 million of Murray’s 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed on March 15. A release would result in a $54.7 million dead cap charge, though a post-June 1 designation could shift $7.2 million into 2027.
Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, appeared in just five games in 2025 due to a foot injury and finished 21st in the PFSN QB Impact Metric with a 75.3 grade. He was benched midway through the season under former head coach Jonathan Gannon.
LaFleur arrives from the Rams after Los Angeles finished first in PFSN’s Offense Impact Score in 2025. Arizona still features young offensive talent in Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Michael Wilson, but the quarterback and running back positions could look very different in 2026.
If the combine buzz proves accurate, the Cardinals are preparing for a full offensive reset under their new regime.
