The Arizona Cardinals may be preparing to make the most seismic move in recent franchise history—trading star quarterback Kyler Murray. According to a bombshell report from FOX Sports, the Cardinals are “seriously considering” exploring trade options for Murray ahead of the 2025 NFL season, signaling a potential end to the rocky but headline-grabbing era of the former No. 1 overall pick in the desert.
Kyler Murray’s name has always carried weight in the NFL conversation. Drafted first overall in 2019, he came in as the dynamic, dual-threat quarterback who turned heads at Oklahoma and had the rare distinction of being drafted in the top 10 in both the NFL and MLB. In his early years with Arizona, Murray provided plenty of electricity—highlight-reel plays, game-winning drives, and even a Pro Bowl selection. But now, only a few years later, that magic seems to have dimmed, and the Cardinals are reportedly assessing whether Murray still fits their long-term vision.
FOX Sports analysts point to multiple factors contributing to this potential blockbuster trade scenario. One of the biggest? Murray’s inconsistency and durability concerns. He suffered a torn ACL late in the 2022 season and missed much of 2023, only returning midseason to a team that was already struggling. While his athleticism remains elite, some insiders question whether his playstyle is sustainable, especially behind a still-developing offensive line.
Financial implications are also front and center. In 2022, Murray signed a massive five-year, $230.5 million extension, with over $160 million guaranteed. At the time, it made him one of the highest-paid players in the league. But that contract now looms large as the Cardinals seek flexibility to rebuild their roster. Trading Murray would create a dead cap hit—but with some maneuvering and the emergence of rookie-contract quarterbacks across the league, Arizona could find itself in a stronger position to reset and rebuild if it’s able to unload the deal.
The 2025 NFL Draft looms large in this equation as well. The Cardinals hold multiple first-round picks, including potentially high selections if other teams underperform. That puts them in prime position to draft a top-tier quarterback—names like Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers, or even the rising star out of Georgia, Carson Beck, are already circulating in early mocks. A new rookie QB would not only come with a much cheaper price tag but would also give head coach Jonathan Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort a clean slate to shape the future of the franchise their way.
Gannon has remained publicly supportive of Murray, praising his leadership and preparation since returning from injury. But there’s a growing belief around the league that the Cardinals’ actions may soon speak louder than their words. The team has already started shedding some veteran contracts and is clearly prioritizing youth and draft capital in its latest rebuild attempt.
For Murray, a trade could offer a chance at a fresh start—and there are certainly teams that would be interested. The Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and even the Minnesota Vikings have all been linked to quarterback uncertainties in recent months. Murray’s skill set—mobility, arm talent, and playmaking—could thrive in a more structured offensive system or under a more QB-friendly coaching staff.
FOX Sports also highlighted the tension that has occasionally flared between Murray and the Cardinals organization. From the public contract saga—which infamously included a now-removed “homework clause” requiring Murray to commit to film study—to sideline blowups and questions about his leadership style, the quarterback has faced intense scrutiny. While some teammates have rallied around him, others have privately questioned whether he’s the long-term solution under center.
Still, the idea of trading a former No. 1 overall pick in his prime is no small matter. The Cardinals would need to find a trade partner willing to absorb Murray’s hefty contract while also offering meaningful draft compensation or player assets in return. Some insiders believe it could take a first-round pick and a young starter to make Arizona even consider pulling the trigger.
Public reaction has been swift and divided. Some Cardinals fans argue that Murray deserves more time and a better supporting cast before judgment is passed. After all, Arizona has cycled through coaches, coordinators, and philosophies during his tenure. Others, however, see this as the perfect moment to move on—before Murray’s value dips further or before another year is wasted in mediocrity.
The Cardinals are not officially confirming trade discussions, but leaks and whispers continue to grow louder. As training camp nears, every move from the front office will be scrutinized. Does Kyler take first-team reps? Are rookie quarterbacks being given more attention? Does Murray show signs of frustration—or signs of renewed commitment?
It’s also worth noting that Murray himself hasn’t made many public statements about his future. In recent interviews, he’s focused on recovering from injury, helping younger teammates, and “doing what it takes to win.” But his body language and social media activity have occasionally hinted at frustration or disconnection. In a league where players often get ahead of the narrative by controlling their own message, Murray’s relative silence is telling.
The NFL is a league driven by quarterback play—and few decisions impact a franchise more than moving on from a supposed franchise QB. If Arizona truly does decide to trade Kyler Murray, it would mark the end of one era and the uncertain beginning of another. The Cardinals would be betting that the future—possibly led by a rookie quarterback and a mountain of cap space—is brighter without Murray than with him.
Of course, nothing is official yet. This could be leverage. It could be a calculated media leak to test the market or to motivate Murray ahead of a make-or-break season. But it could also be the first domino to fall in what would be one of the most dramatic quarterback shifts in recent NFL history.
As training camp approaches and the trade rumor mill intensifies, all eyes will be on Arizona. Will Kyler Murray still be wearing red and white come Week 1? Or will the Cardinals shock the football world and make a generational move to reset their future?
One thing’s for sure: the desert is heating up—and it has nothing to do with the weather.
