ARIZONA — The Arizona Cardinals are facing significant decisions regarding their quarterback situation as they approach the 2026 offseason, with Kyler Murray emerging as a central figure in discussions about the team’s future.
Recent months have indicated that the Cardinals might part ways with Murray, the team’s former No. 1 pick who has spent seven seasons in Arizona. However, a new report from ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss introduces the possibility that Murray could remain with the team for the 2026 season.
Weinfuss reported that discussions concerning Murray’s future will take place in the coming weeks, with a critical deadline set for the start of the new league year in March. The sentiment surrounding Murray’s tenure has shifted, with a growing belief that the Cardinals may opt to retain him in 2026—a stark contrast to earlier sentiments suggesting a definitive separation was on the horizon.
The Cardinals currently find themselves in a challenging position regarding quarterback options in the upcoming NFL Draft, where they appear to be out of range for top recruits. Additionally, viable alternatives in both free agency and trades are limited, further complicating their decision-making process.
A crucial milestone for Murray is March 15, when his base salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed. Arizona will likely need to make a definitive decision on his future prior to that date.
While the possibility of Murray staying with the Cardinals remains, several teams might be interested in acquiring him, including the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins.
Despite the speculation, Arizona does have Jacoby Brissett under contract through 2026, which provides a fallback option should Murray depart. While Murray has demonstrated his skills as a passer, the current offense, under the direction of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, has not yielded the expected results over the past three years. With Petzing’s contract expiring, it remains uncertain if he will return, but the Cardinals are aware that continuing with the same quarterback-coordinator pairing might not be beneficial.
While the future remains uncertain, there is still a glimmer of hope for Murray’s return as the organization weighs its options. The coming weeks are set to be pivotal for the Cardinals as they navigate this crucial juncture in their franchise’s history.