The 2025 campaign was supposed to be the turning point for Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. Instead, it looks like the end of the road. With a 3-9 record, a season-ending foot injury, and a backup quarterback matching his production, the franchise faces a massive decision.
After years of ups and downs, the former No. 1 overall pick might have finally played his last snap in the desert.
How Uncertain Is Kyler Murray’s Future in Arizona?
The writing appears to be on the wall for the quarterback. Through five starts in the 2025-26 campaign, Murray posted a 2-3 record and earned a PFSN quarterback impact grade of 75.1, which ranked just 20th among qualifying signal-callers. The team’s struggles have been even more pronounced, as a negative point differential has left them with a disappointing 3-9 record.
This situation became critical when Murray suffered a foot injury in October. While backup Jacoby Brissett has stepped in and performed at a similar level, NFL insider Dianna Russini reports that the organization is considering a major change.
“It wouldn’t surprise a lot of league executives if the Cardinals decide to move on from 28-year-old Kyler Murray after this season,” Russini reported.
“His contract complicates things because he’s still owed $36.8 million in fully guaranteed salary and bonuses for 2026. But even before his current foot injury, things weren’t clicking. The Cardinals could try to trade him or simply release him. Either way, after coach Jonathan Gannon said Murray is done for the season, the sense is change is coming in the desert.”
What Happened to the Cardinals’ Former Top Pick?
This potential breakup marks a sharp turn from the optimism that surrounded Murray’s arrival. Arizona selected the former Oklahoma Heisman winner first overall in 2019, hoping he would provide stability after Carson Palmer’s retirement in 2018. He initially delivered on that promise, winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year while showcasing the electric playmaking ability the franchise desperately needed.
Those early flashes eventually turned into team success. Under former head coach Kliff Kingsbury, Murray elevated his game in 2020 and led Arizona to an 11-6 record and a playoff berth in 2021. The team returned to the postseason in 2022, though both campaigns ended in wildcard losses. However, the momentum stalled from there.
The years spanning 2023 to 2025 brought significant regression. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the quarterback, preventing him from finding a rhythm under the new regime led by head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Now, with his playmaking ability declining and the team struggling to find wins, both sides appear ready for a fresh start.