Money and Momentum: Kyler Murray’s Future in Arizona Hangs in the Balance
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves at a fascinating crossroads, one that blends performance, injuries, and a whole lot of money. At the heart of it all is quarterback Kyler Murray — once seen as the unquestioned face of the franchise — now facing growing speculation that his time in Arizona could be nearing its end.
Right now, Jacoby Brissett is the man under center, and the results speak volumes. With Brissett starting, the Cardinals’ offense has come alive, averaging around 25.7 points per game despite key injuries in the backfield. His passer rating ranks among the top ten in the league, and the team simply looks sharper, more confident, and more cohesive. In contrast, Murray’s 2-3 record this season and a passer rating sitting at 22nd in the NFL have raised real doubts about whether he’s still the right fit.
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But the real challenge isn’t just about performance — it’s about economics. Murray’s contract is enormous. He’s owed a base salary of $22.8 million next year, plus a $17 million roster bonus, leading to a staggering $53.3 million cap hit. The guaranteed money even stretches into 2026, making him nearly impossible to trade without the Cardinals absorbing a massive financial blow.
This financial bind is exactly why many believe Murray will return to the starting lineup once he’s healthy, regardless of how well Brissett performs. Former coach Bruce Arians summed it up bluntly: “Too many dollars involved in this one.” Others, like Troy Aikman and Drew Brees, have voiced the opposite — that performance, not paychecks, should dictate who starts. Aikman praised Brissett’s poise, while Brees questioned if Murray was ever truly the franchise quarterback Arizona believed him to be.
Behind the scenes, however, the situation feels even more complicated. NBC’s Mike Florio reported that while an in-season trade is highly unlikely, an offseason move is a very real possibility. The relationship between Murray and the team has been strained since that infamous “homework clause” in his 2022 contract. Combine that with a new coaching regime that didn’t draft or extend him, and the writing may be on the wall.
By the time the 2026 league year begins, a trade could easily materialize. Several teams — from the Jets and Steelers to the Raiders and Vikings — are expected to be in the market for a starting quarterback. And if Murray’s health improves, his trade value could rebound just in time for Arizona to make a clean break.
So, for now, the Cardinals have a classic NFL dilemma: go with the quarterback who’s winning games, or the one who’s being paid like a superstar. One thing’s for sure — this isn’t just about football anymore. It’s about business, loyalty, and what comes next for a franchise that’s still trying to define its future.
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