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Cardinals Projected to Take Kyler Murray Replacement in 2026 NFL Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 9:50 PM ET

The Arizona Cardinals made significant changes this offseason, including parting ways with a player who once seemed to be the franchise's future.

The player in question was Kyler Murray, their $230.5 million quarterback. He had a remarkable start to his career, winning the NFL Rookie of the Year award in 2019 and earning Pro Bowl selections in both 2020 and 2021. However, his career has been plagued by injuries. A torn ACL caused him to miss the final five games of the 2022 season, and in 2023, he only played in eight games. In 2025, a foot injury limited him to just five games.

Since then, he has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, leaving the Cardinals searching for their next quarterback. The team has Jacoby Brissett on the roster and signed Gardner Minshew during the offseason. However, NFL.com's Chad Reuter predicts that the Cardinals will select LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (18).© Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Nussmeier had an impressive junior season in 2024 as the starting quarterback, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. As he headed into 2025, he was considered a potential first-round pick and one of the top quarterback prospects. However, that season brought challenges for Nussmeier; he threw for only 1,927 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions due to an injury that limited him to just nine games.

Nussmeier’s fit in Arizona would be about building something sustainable rather than chasing immediate results. His ability to push the ball downfield and operate in a pass-heavy system aligns well with what a modern offense under a new regime could look like. While he’s not as dynamic of a runner as Murray, he offers a different style; one that leans more on timing, anticipation and pocket presence.

That contrast could ultimately benefit the Cardinals as they reshape their identity. Instead of relying on off-script plays and mobility, the offense could become more structured, emphasizing rhythm passing and vertical concepts. Nussmeier’s arm talent gives him the upside to execute that vision, especially if he develops consistency at the next level.

With Brissett and Minshew in place, Arizona wouldn’t need to rush his development. That creates an ideal scenario where Nussmeier can grow into the role over time, potentially emerging as the long-term answer at quarterback for a franchise entering a completely new chapter.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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