In March, the Arizona Cardinals decided to cut ties with Minnesota Vikings QB Kyler Murray. Both parties appeared ready for a new start, as Murray will look to get his career back on track under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals don’t have a long-term QB solution to replace Murray at the moment, but they could address that at the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 23.
Nonetheless, they do have a stopgap player in Jacoby Brissett, but knowing that he’s their best option with Murray gone, he’s using that leverage to reportedly garner a better contract.
On April 17, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported, citing sources, that Brissett is not attending Phase 1 of the offseason program and is seeking an extension that would pay him as the starter.
Set to make $9.06 million in 2026, Brissett has just $1.5 million in guaranteed money and is seeking more security. Moreover, Rapoport’s report reveals that Arizona appears willing to address it.
Cardinals HC Explains Decision to Release Vikings QB Kyler Murray
On March 30, Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur spoke about Murray’s exit from Arizona, saying the team felt it was time to move on, with no ill will toward the player.
“It’s one of those things that sometimes it’s just good for both parties to part ways, if you will,” LaFleur told reporters (h/t Bo Brack of PHNX Cardinals). “So again, we wish him the best. He had a lot of success here.
“I know when I was on the other sideline, [Murray] was a problem. And again, wish him all the success, but we felt like this was the best thing moving forward.”
Minnesota hopes to have a Murray with a chip on his shoulder, showing he can live up to the potential that made him the No. 1 pick in 2019. Murray has shown flashes but hasn’t found that consistency.
Last season with the Cardinals, Murray posted a 72.2 overall PFF grade, along with a 69.5 passing grade. Across 962 snaps and 195 dropbacks, he totaled 962 passing yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Moreover, Murray logged four big-time throws against three turnover-worthy plays.
Cardinals Believe Jacoby Brissett Can Replace Kyler Murray
Brissett’s contract stance is a major hurdle, given that the team believes he can replace Murray, who wants to follow in the footsteps of Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, both of whom benefited from being with the Vikings.
On April 7, Cardinals center Hjalte Froholdt stated that he has confidence in Brissett, despite Arizona deciding this offseason that it was time to cut ties with its former franchise QB.
“I’ve played with Jacoby in the past, too,” Froholdt told reporters (h/t Bo Brack of PHNX Cardinals). “He’s a veteran. He knows his stuff. He stands in the pocket, he takes a hit, he plays for the boys. So I think that’s something you’ve got to tip your hat to him.
“He’s not just another backup. I think Jacoby has proven that he’s a really good quarterback in this league and he can get the job done. I’m excited to see what he’s going to do this year.”
Cardinals Get Bad News After Cutting Vikings QB Kyler Murray