Could Cardinals, Kyler Murray part ways ahead of 2025 NFL trade deadline?

Before the 2025 season got underway, multiple NFL writers suggested that the Arizona Cardinals could potentially part ways with starting quarterback Kyler Murray in 2026 if the club endured another losing campaign. 

Arizona then went 2-5 over its first seven games of the season, and Murray will miss a third straight contest due to a lingering foot injury when he's out of the lineup for the Cardinals' "Monday Night Football" matchup at the Dallas Cowboys (3-4-1). 

Some previously wondered if the Cardinals simply want to keep Murray healthy to possibly make him available to other clubs ahead of the trade deadline, which will arrive at 4 p.m. ET this coming Tuesday. For an article published on Monday, NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk addressed the Murray-related trade chatter. 

What Mike Florio learned about Kyler Murray trade rumors

"I poked around," Florio explained. "And I learned there are too many moving parts for a Murray trade to happen now. Not many teams would be willing to even consider it. Murray, even without a no-trade clause, would have to be willing to embrace the change of venue. His contract would be an issue. Having fewer suitors would reduce any leverage he’d possibly have for a through-the-door extension. So, despite the current existence of an awkward vibe between Murray and the Cardinals ... he won’t be going anywhere this season."

A Monday story revealed that Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison Sr. feels it's "very hard" to watch the Cardinals offense that features second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Murray. According to Pro Football Reference, Murray began Monday ranked 24th in the NFL among qualified players with a 44.5 adjusted QBR and 21st with an 88.6 passer rating for the season. 

As Florio pointed out, neither general manager Monti Ossenfort nor head coach Jonathan Gannon was with the Cardinals when they paid Murray in the summer of 2022. Meanwhile, Murray seemingly will still have zero career postseason wins on his NFL resume when February 2026 comes around. 

When Kyler Murray trade could happen

"...The clock seems to be ticking toward an offseason divorce," Florio added about the Murray-Cardinals situation. "While it won’t happen before the 2025 trade deadline, it’s a deal that could be put in place before the first day of the 2026 league year, when NFL teams officially can resume swapping players. Barring a return from Murray that sparks an unlikely playoff run, it would be a surprise if a trade doesn’t happen in March." 

One wonders if those running the Cardinals have quietly had conversations behind the scenes about possibly shutting Murray down so he will be a healthy and tradable asset in early 2026.