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Cardinals Put Kyler Murray on IR as Jacoby Brissett Takes Over, Intensifying Offseason Uncertainty

A looming mid-March guarantee trigger forces a near-term decision shaped by steep cap costs.

Overview

  • Arizona placed Kyler Murray on injured reserve with a mid-foot sprain, sidelining him at least four games, and Jonathan Gannon named Jacoby Brissett the starter.
  • With Brissett starting, the Cardinals are averaging 25.7 points and 357 yards per game versus 18.8 points and 288 yards with Murray this season, per ESPN.
  • ESPN reports league expectations are trending toward a split, with one source saying "a separation is imminent," though any trade discussions would occur in the offseason.
  • Murray has $36.8 million guaranteed in 2026 and a $19.5 million guarantee that triggers on the fifth day of the new league year; a pre–June 1 release would carry a $57.7 million dead-cap hit, while a trade would save about $35.3 million with $17.9 million in dead money.
  • Teammates say the switch has brought clarity and a stylistic shift, including more under-center snaps and league‑leading play-action attempts that have broadened downfield involvement for receivers.