The desert is a harsh place for a franchise savior. One minute you're the No. 1 overall pick with a Heisman on your shelf, and the next, you're watching a journeyman like Jacoby Brissett take snaps while your future is debated in every sports bar from Scottsdale to Flagstaff.
Honestly, the situation regarding the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals has turned into a bit of a soap opera.
Kyler Murray was supposed to be the guy. He signed that massive $230.5 million contract back in 2022, and for a while, it felt like the Cardinals finally had their long-term answer. But as we sit here in early 2026, the vibe has shifted. A foot injury late in the 2025 season didn't just sideline Murray; it might have effectively ended his era in Arizona.
The Kyler Murray Plateau
People love to argue about Murray. You've got the fans who point to his "generational" athleticism—the way he can make a pass-rusher look silly with a dead-leg move—and then you have the skeptics.
The stats tell a story of a player who is very good, but maybe not "franchise-altering" good. In his first six seasons (2019-2024), he put up some wild numbers. He joined Josh Allen and Cam Newton as the only QBs in history to hit 100 passing touchdowns and 30 rushing touchdowns in their first six years. That’s elite company.
But the playoff wins? Zero.
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In 2025, the wheels sorta fell off. Before the foot injury ended his season, he was throwing for under 200 yards a game far too often. Against the Seahawks in Week 4, he struggled to a 73.2 passer rating. The "dink-and-dunk" criticism started getting louder.
Why Jacoby Brissett is Starting Right Now
When Murray went on IR, the keys were handed to Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett is the ultimate "bridge" guy. He's steady. He doesn't have Murray's ceiling, but he doesn't have the basement-level floor either. He signed a two-year, $12.5 million deal to be the veteran presence, and ironically, he’s played well enough that some local analysts think he could actually be a starter for someone else in 2026.
For the Cardinals, though, he's basically a placeholder.
The team is currently looking at a top-five pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. If you're a GM like Monti Ossenfort, do you really pass on a fresh start with a rookie contract when your current quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals is set to count $53 million against the cap?
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The Money Problem: Can They Actually Cut Him?
NFL contracts are basically math puzzles designed to give fans a headache.
If the Cardinals decide to move on from Murray before March 15, 2026, they are looking at a "dead cap" hit of roughly $57.7 million. That sounds like a disaster. However, the salary cap is expected to jump to over $300 million this year.
Basically, the team can afford to eat the mistake.
If they wait until after mid-March, that number balloons to over $77 million because his 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed. It's a game of high-stakes chicken. The Cardinals either trade him to a team willing to gamble on his health, or they cut him and take the financial medicine now to clear the books for 2027 and beyond.
What the 2026 Draft Looks Like
The scouts are already buzzing about the names that could replace Murray.
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- Ty Simpson (Alabama): A lot of people love his pre-snap recognition and quick release. He’s the "pro-style" darling of this cycle.
- Dante Moore (Oregon): The high-upside play. He’s got the arm talent that makes NFL coordinators drool.
- Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): Currently seen by some as the potential No. 1 overall pick.
It’s weird to think about a Cardinals jersey without the number 1 zip-zagging across the field, but the writing is on the wall. Head coach Jonathan Gannon needs results. A "horrendous" 2025 season has put everyone on the hot seat, and usually, the first thing to go is the expensive quarterback who can't stay on the field.
Navigating the Future of the Cardinals QB Position
If you're following this team, you need to watch the "fifth day of the league year" like a hawk. That is the deadline.
The move is likely a trade. Arizona might have to "pay" to get rid of him—meaning they cover some of his 2026 salary just to get a mid-round pick back. It's similar to what happened with Josh Rosen, the guy Murray replaced.
Actionable Insights for Cardinals Fans:
- Watch the Waiver Wire: If Murray is released, he will be the most talked-about free agent since Derek Carr, despite the injuries.
- Track the Combine: Pay close attention to how the Cardinals interact with Ty Simpson and Dante Moore in Indianapolis.
- Cap Space Awareness: If the team trades Murray, they suddenly gain over $37 million in immediate cap relief for 2026. This would allow them to be massive players in free agency to support a rookie QB.
The era of the dual-threat savior in Glendale is likely over. It was fun, it was frustrating, and it was expensive. Now, the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals will likely be someone younger, cheaper, and hopefully, more durable.