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Kyler Murray to be free agent after Cardinals release, reports
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- Kyler Murray to be free agent after Cardinals release, reports
Kyler Murray is done in the desert.
The Arizona Cardinals are releasing the quarterback, according to multiple reports. It was a decision that came on March 3, but had been a long time in the making. This split had been considered inevitable, dating back to the famous "independent study" clause that was inserted into the quarterback's extension in 2022.
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It appeared the relationship was on borrowed time from that moment on, and it reared its head at the end of the 2025 season, when he was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury in December.
Since the offseason began, it was revealed that Murray and general manager Monti Ossenfort hadn't talked since the season concluded, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss on Feb. 24 .
Arizona also brought in a new coaching staff led by Mike LaFleur, signaling a changing of the guard.
The Cardinals looked to trade the quarterback before settling on releasing the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. It was considered the likeliest outcome for both sides following a report from NFL Media's Ian Rapoport on March 1 .
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Murray faced plenty of questions and concerns during his time in the desert, mostly about work ethic, leadership and on-field struggles. He was drafted to be the team's franchise quarterback just one season after they selected Josh Rosen with the No. 10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The former Oklahoma Sooners star spent seven seasons with the Cardinals and started 87 games. He posted a 38-48-1 record and made just one playoff appearance.
Murray completed 67.1% of passes, throwing 121 touchdowns to 60 interceptions and, of course, was a huge factor with his legs. He rushed 532 times for 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns as a member of the Cardinals.
Now he'll head to free agency when the new league year begins next Wednesday, March 11, to seek a new opportunity in a different city, where no shortage of suitors awaits.
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Kyler Murray reacts to Cardinals release
Murray was quick to share a reaction on social media following the announcement:
"To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
"I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.
"I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever's next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it.
"Godspeed."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyler Murray to be released by Cardinals, reports
