Kyler Murray

The past four seasons has been filled with turmoil for Murray. He tore his ACL in 2022, rehabbed and returned in Week 10 the following year. The former first overall pick looked to be fully back, playing all the games in 2024, but a foot injury this past season limited him to five games.

That partnership is unlikely to go on for long under new HC Mike LaFleur, with Arizona likely to move on from Kyler Murray this offseason. Murray has a cap number of $52.7 million in 2026 with guaranteed $36.8 million, but if on roster past March 11, he is guaranteed an extra $20 million.

Arizona has publicly stated they are exploring trading Murray this offseason, with reports indicating the team is 'likely to move on' from the quarterback. His expected trade value is only a second or third-round pick, with some estimates as low as a late third or fourth-rounder.

Murray carries a $52.7 million cap hit in 2026 with $36.8 million already guaranteed, and another $20 million becomes guaranteed after March 11. Releasing him before June 1 would result in a staggering $54.7 million dead cap hit.

Murray signed only a one-year, $1.3M minimum deal with a no-tag clause guaranteeing free agency after 2026 — his 2027 landing spot and dynasty value are entirely unsettled, and a bad year or McCarthy ascension leaves him a journeyman.

Mid-foot sprains carry significant re-injury risk, especially under repeated scramble loads. Murray declared himself healthy, but the Cardinals notably refused to re-insert him after what appeared to be near-full recovery in 2025, raising questions about how complete the healing actually was.

Murray's rushing ability provides a higher ceiling than traditional pocket QBs in dynasty formats; any offensive scheme that leverages this edge could unlock significant weekly volatility and season-long upside.

Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison give Murray the best receiver room of his career — a significant upgrade over his Arizona situation that could unlock a meaningful statistical rebound if he wins the starting job.

Kevin O'Connell's LaFleur/McVay system prioritizes quick releases, pre-snap motion, and off-schedule improvisation — a near-perfect match for Murray's athleticism and processing speed. Murray actively sought out O'Connell citing his track record developing QBs, and expressed genuine enthusiasm for the fit.

A McVay disciple would be Murray's best shot of recapturing that magic. If LaFleur can get half the production from the seven-year Cardinals quarterback as he has Stafford, Arizona is in a stellar spot for the future. LaFleur's experience with dual-threat schemes could unlock Murray's rushing upside if he stays.

Trey McBride was selected to his second straight Pro Bowl after leading the team with 126 catches, 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns. Marvin Harrison Jr. (5,144 dynasty value) and Michael Wilson (3,800 value) provide high-end receiving weapons if Murray returns.

Despite the formal competition label, the consensus inside and outside the organization — including Justin Jefferson acknowledging the 'pressure' Murray brings — is that Murray is the presumptive Week 1 starter barring an outlier training camp by McCarthy.