The Arizona Cardinals have informed quarterback Kyler Murray they plan to release him next Wednesday, ending his seven-year tenure with the franchise. The 2019 No. 1 overall draft pick was already guaranteed $36.8 million for 2026, with another $19.5 million due in 2027 if he remained on the roster.

Murray's departure comes after months of speculation about his future in Arizona. The 27-year-old quarterback, who suffered multiple injuries in recent seasons including a torn ACL in 2022, played his last five seasons with the Cardinals battling through various ailments. His career in Arizona ended with a 38-48-1 record and just one playoff appearance, a 2021 wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler, expressed gratitude to Arizona fans in a social media post, acknowledging his desire to end the franchise's 77-year championship drought. With his release, Murray becomes one of the most coveted free agents in the upcoming market. Sources indicate he has two preferred destinations for his next NFL chapter, though those teams have not been publicly identified.