With the hiring of head coach Mike LaFleur, as well as the filling of the coordinator roles, we are officially on to the next phase of the offseason. For those wondering, that is a dead period, as the free agency tampering period does not officially open until March 11.
However, one key decision that needs to be made sooner rather than later is what the Cardinals want to do with quarterback Kyler Murray. There are plenty of rumors swirling around that the team wants to move off of him, and his contract in particular.
This stems from the fact that Murray missed almost all of 2025 with a foot injury, and it's coupled with the fact that quarterback Jacoby Brissett played significantly cleaner ball down the stretch than the 28-year-old.
The Cardinals would like to make this decision before March 15, the start of the new league year, as it would allow them to avoid taking on Murray’s contract. While Arizona would prefer to trade Murray, it is not going to be that easy, considering he is due $52 million in 2026.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell listed out eight trades that could occur across the league, and to no one's surprise, Murray is on that list. But the package that the Cardinals are projected to get in return should not excite anyone in the slightest.
Barnwell’s Projection:Â
Cardinals Receive: 2026 4th Round Draft Pick
Jets Receive: QB Kyler Murray, 2026 6th Round Draft Pick
This is the ugly truth that is tough to swallow; it is going to be incredibly difficult to maximize the value of Murray in a trade. The on-field production with a combination of a terrible contract will only deter potential suitors.
On the other hand, the 2026 quarterback draft class is not deep at all. You’ve got Fernando Mendoza, who will be selected No. 1 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, then a huge drop off.
This could be a rough offseason for Arizona.