Report expands on why Kyler Murray, Cardinals breakup seems inevitable

It is becoming clear that the relationship involving the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray may be damaged beyond repair. 

Roughly 24 hours after "a source" claimed that Murray and Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort "have not talked since" the 2025 season ended, Fox Sports NFL reporters Ralph Vacchiano and Henry McKenna revealed that "Murray’s camp would prefer the Cardinals cut him so the quarterback can enter free agency." 

Both Kyler Murray and Cardinals seem ready for a breakup

Vacchiano and McKenna added that the Cardinals "have grown 'frustrated' with Murray." 

"There are questions about his work ethic, which have dogged him in Arizona for years. His quiet personality has also raised concerns about his leadership," Vacchiano and McKenna continued. 

Questions about Murray's personality and behind-the-scenes activities have hovered over the Cardinals for years. In January 2023, an unnamed veteran Arizona player said for a story that "it was like they created a monster" when the Cardinals signed Murray to a five-year contract extension reportedly worth $230.5M with $160M guaranteed the previous summer. More recently, retired quarterback and NFL analyst Shaun King talked openly about how Murray "had to break some bad habits to have sustainability in this league." 

Just last week, former NFL player, executive and current analyst Louis Riddick shared during an on-air ESPN segment that concerns about "commitment" and "leadership" regarding Murray's ability to win at the highest level have existed for some time. 

Cardinals aren't just worried about Kyler Murray's personality

Back in December 2022, Murray suffered an injury that left him needing ACL surgery and some meniscus repair. This past season, he made just five starts before he was shut down due to a foot issue.

"The team is concerned that he will no longer be the same player he was before his ACL tear in 2022, especially after a sprained foot cost him 12 more games last season," Vacchiano and McKenna wrote about how the Cardinals view Murray. "His mobility is 'shot,' the source said, and Murray doesn’t appear suited to transition into a pure pocket passer, either. If he’s unwilling or unable to run, he likely can’t be as effective as he once was." 

Such information indicates that Ossenfort and recently hired Arizona head coach Mike LaFleur may want to make a clean break from Murray. Earlier this week, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk mentioned that Murray's 2027 base salary of $19.5M will be guaranteed if he's still with the Cardinals on March 15. 

Some reporters have linked Murray with a New York Jets team that needs a new QB1. However, Vacchiano and McKenna pointed out that the Jets have "several assistant coaches who worked for the Cardinals while Murray was there" who "will have the same inside information" Arizona has about the 28-year-old. 

Whatever has or hasn't happened during Murray's Cardinals tenure, it now appears that the first overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft will soon leave the team with zero playoff wins on his career resume.