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EspañolWhile it isn't quite NFL official, the Kyler Murray era is coming to a close for the Arizona Cardinals. Per multiple reports, Murray was advised that he will be released at the start of the new league year.
Murray himself posted a goodbye on social media.
To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
— Kyler Murray (@K1) March 3, 2026
I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my…
That means, once the move is official, he will be a free agent and possibly one of the most sought-after quarterbacks on the market.
The Cardinals will be on the hook for the $36.8 million in guarantees he is owed in 2026 with offsets. He can sign with a team for the league minimum ($1.3 million for his level of experience in the league), and the Cardinals will pay the remaining $35.5 million.
The Cardinals and the salary cap
With Murray's pending release, there are cap implications.
One reporter posted on X that, "per league rules," the Cardinals can't release him until the new year. That would only be the case if they intend on using a post-June 1 designation.
Because of guarantees and previously paid bonuses that didn't count against the salary cap immediately, they must account for $54.7 million in dead money. Because his contract currently counts about $52.7 million against the cap, a straight release would cause them to lose about $2 million in cap space to account for the dead money.
By releasing him next week in the new league year and designating him as a post-June 1 cut, they can spread the dead money over two seasons.
They will carry his entire $52.7 million cap hit until June 2 and then will gain about $5.1 million in cap space, carrying $47.5 million in dead money. They would incur $7.2 milliin in dead money in 2027 for the remaining proration of bonuses.
What is next for Kyler Murray?
Murray will be the top available quarterback. The teams who make the most sense are the following:
- Minnesota Vikings
- Atlanta Falcons
- New York Jets
- Miami Dolphins
- Pittsbught Steelers
What now for the Cardinals at quarterback?
Following Murray's release, Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis are the remaining quarterbacks on the roster. If Brissett remains, we can expect the Cardinals to sign a free agent and perhaps draft one.
It is possible that Brissett could be traded. Two teams reportedly have interest. His contract and play last season make him very tradeable. In that case, the Cardinals could sign two and draft another.
Names to watch in free agency are Malik Willis and Jimmy Garoppolo, while quarterbacks expected to be released like Murray the Cardinals could consider also include Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins and Tua Tagovailoa.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Kyler Murray to be released by Arizona Cardinals, will be free agent