The Cardinals are still in the decision-making process of who will be their signal caller in 2026, with all signs pointing to Kyler Murray being out as the team’s starter.
It is widely expected that the Cardinals will find a trade partner for the disgruntled 28-year-old before March 15, the start of the new league year. Doing this would help Arizona avoid taking on Murray’s $52 million guaranteed salary.
The post-Murray era needs to be figured out, and it seems more likely that the team picks its quarterback out of the free agency class instead of the draft. The 2026 quarterback draft class, aside from Fernando Mendoza, is relatively weak, and it wouldn’t be worth wasting a pick on one when there are other needs that need to be addressed.
The free agent quarterback is deeper than it has been in years past, with Malik Willis, Daniel Jones, and Aaron Rodgers headlining it. However, rumors are starting to pick up steam, and the Cardinals may be showing interest in one of these three.
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Cardinals Interested in Malik Willis
Malik Willis earned himself a massive payday with the way he played in the absence of Jordan Love at the end of 2025. In the time he saw, Willis completed 30-of-35 pass attempts for 422 yards and three touchdown passes. He also played a significant role in the running game, compiling 123 rushing yards on 22 attempts.
Willis’ AAV is sitting at a minimum of $20 million per year, but it would not be a shock if Arizona were to make a move for the 26-year-old dual-threat quarterback.
If the Cardinals can dump Murray’s salary, they will have so much more money to work with, and they have a serious chance of making a splash at quarterback.