Kyler Murray Trade Rumors Updated in Latest NFL Buzz, Cardinals Linked to QB as 'Strong' FA Option

All eyes are on Kyler Murray in the early portion of the NFL offseason as the Arizona Cardinals weigh their choices with the quarterback, and ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Sunday that releasing him is more likely than trading him because potential suitors will not want to give up anything "significant" in return while still having to pay his contract.

Murray's contract features $36.8 million in full guarantees this year and another $19.5 million in guaranteed salary in 2027 if he is still on Arizona's roster on the third day of the league year (which starts March 11).

That timeline means the Cardinals will look to make a move relatively quickly, and Graziano suggested they could be a landing spot for Malik Willis. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler highlighted Jimmy Garoppolo as "a strong option, too."

Fowler noted new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur is "very close with Garoppolo" with one league source saying "that's his guy."

Yet the Los Angeles Rams reportedly are interested in keeping him as Matthew Stafford's backup, so Arizona may have to compete with a division rival if it wants the veteran signal-caller.

It could also just play the 2026 season out with Jacoby Brissett and look toward the next draft or two for future quarterbacks, especially after the 33-year-old played fairly well in 2025 from a statistical perspective.

He completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions in place of the injured Murray, although Arizona went just 1-11 in his 12 starts.

One thing that is clear is Murray is likely on the way out.

Ralph Vacchiano and Henry McKenna of Fox Sports reported Wednesday that Arizona is "frustrated" with the Oklahoma product with questions about his work ethic and "quiet personality."

There are also durability concerns, as he missed 12 games last season with a sprained foot and the entire 2022 campaign with a torn ACL.

One source told Vacchiano and McKenna his mobility is "shot," which would drastically limit his overall ceiling as a quarterback and playmaker.

At this point, it seems more like a matter of when than if when it comes to the Cardinals moving on from Murray, and the financial situation of his contract means there could be a resolution much sooner than later.