The Arizona Cardinals were unable to find a trade partner for their quarterback, and with his release imminent, a Steelers versus Vikings Kyler Murray bidding war is about to happen. Arizona will be able to split Murray’s $47.5 million dead cap over the next two seasons if they designate his release as post-June 1. This will give them an extra $28 million towards the 2026 cap. With free agency in full swing, it would seem to behoove them to make the move sooner rather than later so they can start spending.
On the other hand, if a bidding war awaits his release, perhaps the Cardinals could still coax a team to give up a seventh-round pick to secure Murray’s services for the upcoming season. It’s unlikely, since the team trading for him would have to assume $42 million of his salary, and if they wait for him to be cut, they could likely secure his services for something similar to what Tua Tagovailoa got from the Atlanta Falcons (1 year and $1.3 million veteran minimum).
Both teams make sense for Murray, but since it won’t come down to money, it will come down to what each team can offer the former first overall pick. Which club can offer him the chance to start right away, as opposed to competing for the job, and which team offers him a chance to win right away? Those are things that will sway Murray’s decision when it comes time to sign on the dotted line.
