After a disappointing 3-14 finish in 2025, the Arizona Cardinals finally decided to part ways with quarterback Kyler Murray, who played seven seasons but failed to lead the franchise to more than one playoff appearance.
His final season in Arizona was cut short by a foot injury. He played just five games, throwing for 962 yards and six touchdowns with a 2-3 record. Without him, the team had a more forgettable run, going 1-11 under backup Jacoby Brissett.
Now the latest report is that they informed the two-time Pro Bowl signal-caller they plan to release him on March 11, the first day of the new league year, according to the Associated Press.
While Arizona still owes him $36.8 million in guaranteed money from his 2022 extension, the timing comes down to money. If they release him before March 15, they avoid another $19.5 million becoming fully guaranteed for the 2027 season.
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They explored all trade options at the combine, but those conversations went nowhere. That left a release as the only option for the Cardinals, who hold the No. 3 overall pick and about $30 million in cap space under new head coach Mike LaFleur.
So, Brissett is the franchise's lead quarterback for now. The 33-year-old was quite productive after Murray’s injury, throwing for 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns against eight interceptions. While the team went 1-11 in his starts, his individual play was solid enough to put trust in him.
However, Arizona isn't committed to him as the long-term starter. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, the Jets, Falcons, and several coaches with past ties to Brissett are keeping an eye on him as free agency nears.
He wrote, "Cardinals can't find a taker for Kyler Murray, but multiple teams want Jacoby Brissett. The Jets are one -- Frank Reich loves him. But so do the Falcons' Kevin Stefanski and Alex Van Pelt."
But local reporter John Gambadoro countered, pening, "While the Cardinals will explore all options to add a QB they are unlikely to trade Jacoby Brissett."
This suggests that Arizona is keeping Brissett for the 2026 season. He is entering the final year of a two-year, $12.5 million contract, and since he's already signed, there's no need for a franchise tag.
Since he was one of the bright spots on a struggling team, the Cardinals appear willing to keep him as a veteran option while they decide how to use the third overall pick.