Kyler Murray's Cardinals Future, Timeline for Decision Discussed by HC LaFleur Amid Trade Rumors

Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur has not made any decisions about Kyler Murray's future two weeks away from the start of the NFL's free-agent period.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, LaFleur would only say the Cardinals are still having "open conversations" when asked about their plans for Murray.

"Just like everything else on the roster, open conversations in this building," LaFleur said. "No timeframe on that."

While Cardinals officials may not have a definite idea of what they are going to do with Murray at this point, March 16 seems like a potential key date for them to make a decision one way or another.

That is the fifth day of the NFL league year, which is when $19.5 million of Murray's 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on Arizona's roster.

Murray has been a popular candidate to change teams this offseason, though it's unclear if that would consist of a trade or release. The Cardinals would incur a $54.7 million dead cap charge in 2026 if they release him prior to June 1.

A post-June 1 release would spread Murray's dead cap hit over two seasons, with $47.5 million going on the books in 2026 and $7.2 million in 2027.

Trading Murray would be much more financially beneficial for the Cardinals. They would save $34.7 million against the cap.

Given the financial implications of Murray's contract, it would likely limit the number of teams interested in trading for him. If he were to be released, the pool of suitors would grow because he could theoretically sign a deal with a low guaranteed salary that is heavy on incentives.

There has also been speculation that the Cardinals could just run it back with Murray next season to see how he looks in a new offense with LaFleur stepping in as head coach.

Injuries limited Murray to just five games last season and he has missed at least three games in four of the past five years. The 28-year-old threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns and completed 68.3 percent of his attempts during the 2025 season.

The last time Murray played a full season was in 2024. He finished the year with 3,851 passing yards, 572 rushing yards and accounted for 26 touchdowns in 17 games.