Cardinals To Release CB Sean Murphy-Bunting

Arizona is expected to release Murphy-Bunting, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports. This will mark an end to his tenure in the desert, which included only one season (2024) of regular-season action. Murphy-Bunting will look to offer a new team with experienced depth in the secondary.

Alternatively, a deal on Arizona’s practice squad could take place. That is a possibility to watch for, Howard Balzer of CardsWire notes. This cut will result in only $750K in cap savings with $3.75MM being generated in dead money charges. Team and player worked out a pay cut in March, suggesting Murphy-Bunting would stay in the fold with a guaranteed figure in hand. Now, his future is uncertain.

Arizona has Garrett Williams in place to handle a full-time starting workload when healthy, but he was only cleared to return to practice last week. His Week 1 status is unclear as a result. 2024 second-rounder Max Melton made eight starts last season, working exclusively on the perimeter. Per Balzer, a move to the slot (at least on a temporary basis) could be in store for 2026 depending on how the Cards’ CB setup takes shape.

Murphy-Bunting played out his rookie contract with the Buccaneers, operating as a defensive regular along the way. The 29-year-old was then a full-time starter with the Titans upon signing a one-year contract in 2023. His strong play in Tennessee resulted in a lucrative second trip to the open market, with a three-year Arizona agreement being reached. Things have not gone according to plan since the first season of that deal, though.

With 65 starts and 11 interceptions to his name, Murphy-Bunting could be an attractive option for teams seeking low-cost additions late in the offseason. If he does not find a taker in the near future, on the other hand, a Cardinals taxi squad deal could help him work his way back into the lineup.