How Would Kyler Murray Trade or Release Impact Cardinals' Salary Cap in 2026?

If rumors of an offseason split between the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray come to fruition, the Cards could be on the hook for a sizable dead cap hit.

On Saturday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Cardinals and Murray will "have extensive discussions to help determine whether to move forward together or go their own ways."

However, multiple sources believe the most likely outcome is the two sides parting ways, with one source telling Schefter, "A separation is imminent."

Murray is signed for at least two more seasons beyond 2025 with a club option for 2028.

Per Spotrac, Murray is scheduled to make $42.535 million next season with $39.8 million of it guaranteed, and $36.335 million with $19.5 million guaranteed in 2027.

In the event they move on from Murray, the best-case scenario for Arizona is that it finds a trade partner.

If the Cardinals trade Murray during the offseason, they will only have to absorb $17.9 million in dead cap, according to Spotrac. However, releasing Murray would count for $57.7 million in dead cap.

The Cardinals could designate him as a post-June 1 cut, but that would only bring the dead cap down to $50.5 million in 2026, while kicking $7.2 million down the road to 2027.

Murray has not played since Week 5 due to a foot injury, and it is possible he may never play another down for the Cardinals.

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On Wednesday, Murray was placed on injured reserve, meaning he must miss at least four more games. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters there is still a chance Murray could return this season, but given Schefter's report, that may not be in the organization's plans.

Journeyman backup Jacoby Brissett, who turns 33 next month, has arguably outperformed Murray this season, going 1-2 in three starts and throwing for 860 yards, six touchdowns and only one interception.

Murray, 28, is 2-3 in five starts and completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions, while also rushing for 173 yards and a score.

Selected first overall out of Oklahoma in 2019, Murray was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He followed that up with Pro Bowl selections in both 2020 and 2021.

Injuries have been an issue in recent years, though, as Murray has played in more than 11 games just once over the past four campaigns.

The Cardinals have not reached the playoffs during that stretch either, last making it back in 2021.

If the Cardinals trade or release Murray, it is unclear if they intend to go with Brissett or another veteran as their starter next season, or if they plan to draft someone.

The 2026 NFL draft's quarterback class could be a deep and talented one, though, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Alabama's Ty Simpson, Oregon's Dante Moore, Texas' Arch Manning, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers and Oklahoma's John Mateer being among those who could be in the mix.

Arizona stands to potentially have a huge financial burden to deal with if it parts ways with Murray, but it could be worth it if the Cards find their new franchise quarterback in the draft.