FOOTBALL: Kyler Murray in limbo as Cardinals keep 'all options on table' at QB

Kyler Murray’s future with the Arizona Cardinals remains uncertain as the team enters the offseason.

General manager Monti Ossenfort acknowledged that the quarterback situation is the hottest topic since the hiring of new head coach Mike LaFleur. Murray ended last season on injured reserve, while Jacoby Brissett stepped in and performed well. Both quarterbacks, along with Kedon Slovis, are under contract for 2026.

“On top of your mind is our quarterback situation,” Ossenfort said. “Here's what I would say: All options are on the table for us. We've got Kyler, Jacoby, Kedon all under contract. … We're going to look at every avenue to improve.”

Murray played only five games last season and could find a new home before his 29th birthday in August. Regardless of the outcome, he will work with a new head coach for the third time since being drafted first overall in 2019.

LaFleur, who previously served as an assistant coach with the division-rival Rams, is getting hands-on with the Cardinals’ pre-draft evaluations this year. Unlike with the Rams, he will meet prospects face-to-face during interviews.

Both LaFleur and Ossenfort have spoken with Murray, emphasizing a shared goal of improvement.

“I've always had a good dialogue with Kyler. I would say it wasn't up to what Kyler wanted, it wasn't up to what any of us wanted as a season as a whole,” Ossenfort said. “When you have the kind of year that we had, there's a lot of room for improvement. We've got to find a way to do that—not only at that position, but all positions. That's what we're all focused on. Getting better and moving forward.”

The timeline for a decision on Murray’s future is unclear. While his 2026 salary of $22.8 million is below the league average for starters, Arizona faces a significant cash outlay, including a $17 million roster bonus and a $1.857 million workout bonus due next month.

In the meantime, the Cardinals are exploring other quarterback options. Ossenfort confirmed that free agent Malik Willis, formerly with the Packers, is among the players under evaluation.

With the No. 3 pick in the draft, the Cardinals are also considering the best way to support whichever quarterback takes the field in 2026.

"I'm open to taking the best player at our pick," Ossenfort said. "There's a lot of quarterbacks in this draft. We'll continue to evaluate them."

-Field Level Media/Reuters