The Arizona Cardinals have officially entered a period of total reconstruction, placing quarterback Kyler Murray on the trade block following a mid-season benching. As the franchise pivots toward a new identity under offensive-minded head coach Mike LaFleur, the front office has established clear expectations for a potential deal. According to league sources, Arizona is seeking a return starting with at least a third-round pick, drawing direct parallels to the trade that sent Geno Smith from Seattle to Las Vegas last March.
While Smith showed greater consistency in his final season with the Seahawks than Murray did during his limited 2025 appearances, Murray’s superior raw talent remains a significant selling point for teams in need of a franchise dual-threat weapon.
Despite the quarterback's history of flashes of brilliance, including two Pro Bowl selections and over 20,000 career passing yards, his massive contract remains a complex hurdle for any suitor to clear.
Financially, the Cardinals have a massive incentive to secure a trade rather than simply cutting ties.
According to a report from ESPN, releasing Murray before June 1 would result in a staggering $54.7 million dead cap hit for the organization.
While designating him as a post-June 1 cut could spread that financial burden over two years, a trade offers a far more attractive path toward roster flexibility.
If Arizona can find a willing trade partner, it would successfully create $34.7 million in cap savings while leaving behind a much more manageable $17.9 million in dead money.
This financial reality makes a trade the preferred outcome as the team seeks to provide its new coaching staff with the necessary resources to compete in the challenging NFC West division.
The decision on Murray’s future will be the first major test for Mike LaFleur, who returns to a play-calling role after three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
LaFleur, the 45th head coach in franchise history, brings an extensive coaching resume that includes stops with the 49ers and Jets.
As the Cardinals prepare for 2026, the combination of LaFleur’s offensive expertise and the front office's pursuit of cap relief will define the next chapter of Arizona football.
