How Much Money is Kyler Murray Reportedly Expected to Get on Next Contract After Cardinals Release?

With the Arizona Cardinals expected to release Kyler Murray next week, the two-time Pro Bowler will likely sign a bargain deal in free agency given how much money his soon-to-be-former club will be paying him in 2026.

Per CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, the assumption is Murray will sign for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million when he becomes a free agent.

Spotrac's Michael Ginnitti added that Murray will become eligible to sign with another team on March 11 and he will have multiple suitors.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the Cardinals have already informed Murray he will be released on the first day of the new league year if they are unable to find a trade partner.

Murray's contract with the Cardinals pays him a guaranteed $36.8 million in 2026 regardless of whether or not he is on the roster.

Rather than trying to pursue a high-dollar contract from another club if he hits free agency, Murray can keep Arizona on the hook for most of his salary this year. The $1.3 million salary would be deducted from the Cardinals' financial obligation, similar to what Russell Wilson did two years ago when he took a minimum deal from the Pittsburgh Steelers after being released by the Denver Broncos.

Another benefit for Murray in taking a low-cost deal is it gives more teams an opportunity to pursue him. The Minnesota Vikings have been cited as a popular destination for the 28-year-old, but their cap situation would make it difficult to give him an expensive contract.

This way would allow the Vikings to potentially sign Murray as competition and/or insurance for J.J. McCarthy as they look to get back to being a playoff contender in the NFC after a disappointing 2025.

With the likelihood of a $1.3 million price point for Murray, it's hard not to imagine most teams in the NFL at least touching base with him to gauge his interest.

Murray was limited to just five games in 2025 due to injuries, but he started all 17 games for the Cardinals the previous year. He threw for 3,851 yards, ran for 572 yards and accounted for 26 touchdowns in 2024.