Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
GLENDALE – After the Arizona Cardinals didn’t activate or open the practice window for franchise quarterback Kyler Murray on Monday, there is a belief that the former two-time Pro Bowler played his last game in Arizona. During his seven-year career in the Valley, Murray has had a complicated legacy. He helped carry the Cardinals out of the post-Bruce Arians depression, which the team was the worse in the NFL by a wide margin.
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Slowly, Murray brought the team back to relevance, making his first postseason in year three. However, 2021 remains the only year Murray has brought Arizona to the postseason, with injuries playing a massive part.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches his team from the sidelines as they play the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
A 2-3 start and a foot injury gave the franchise enough confidence to ditch their QB for backup Jacoby Brissett. Despite him being 1-6, the offense has had better production with the 32-year-old under center. During Brissett’s time, the team has been quiet about Murray’s status, essentially sweeping him under the rug.
An offseason trade for Murray is likely, which forces general manager Monti Ossenfort into a dilemma of whether to stick with Brissett or look for a QB in the 2026 draft.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Red and White practice in training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Which scenario will the Cardinals choose?
Each option comes with a problem. Despite Brissett’s numbers, the team is 1-6 in his starts. Does a healthy defense and a full offseason of training improve that record? Probably, but Brissett is a known commodity. Through his decade-long career, he has a 20-40 record and hasn’t had a winning season. A Geno Smith-esque revival could be in order, but those hopes are farfetched to believe in.
Keeping Brissett likely means keeping offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, which fans will have a hard time swallowing. The Cardinals quarterback has praised Petzing and his play calling all season and has history with him that could force the franchise to stick with their current OC.
Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing walks on the sideline before the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
If the franchise elects to choose its new quarterback in the first round that’ll be a challenge. Not only is the team essentially restarting four years into head coach Jonathan Gannon’s tenure, but the roster is built to compete for a playoff spot and adding a rookie QB could delay that dream.
In SBNation writer Mark Schofield’s latest 2026 mock draft, he has three quarterbacks taken before the Cardinals projected eighth pick. Arizona will either have to reach for a QB lower down the draft boards or trade back. The holes inside the roster makes trading back impossible. Schofield has Ossenfort drafting Utah tackle Spencer Fano, who is the best offensive lineman in the class.
If Murray is traded, the Cardinals will have to draft a quarterback, but it might be a Day 3 pick instead of Day 1 selection. With Gannon and Petzing likely staying another year, the safe answer is to have Brissett remain the starter for next season and look for the future franchise QB next year.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
