Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Arizona Cardinals owner Michael J. Bidwill (center) during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cardinals’ new training facility on Feb. 19, 2026, in Phoenix. Syndication: Arizona Republic
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals held a ceremony to break ground for their new headquarters and performance center, but a notable name was missing from the attendees. Many members of the franchise took part in the event from owner Michael Bidwill to new head coach Mike LaFleur to many of the players: Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride and Budda Baker.
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However, one of the glaring and obvious names missing from the bunch was quarterback Kyler Murray. The rumors and non-answers coming from Arizona has made it clear that the two-time Pro Bowler is expected to be traded, and Thursday’s ceremony makes it even more clear.
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael J. Bidwill addresses the crowd during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cardinals’ new training facility on Feb. 19, 2026, in Phoenix. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Bidwill on timeline and expectation of new performance center:
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has a target date of summer 2028 for Arizona’s new performance center and headquarters.
“I expect when we break training camp in 2028, we’ll be moving right into the building. Our business offices may be completed before that.” pic.twitter.com/6d9xL982Gx
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) February 19, 2026
Bidwill seemed clear talking to reporters that this new practice facility will be the new industry standard and set the franchise up well for the future. Ever since the end of the 2025 season, Bidwill had made it clear that he wants to build towards a new era. It started with the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon, which was the first domino to fall this offseason.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray gets wired up on the sidelines during a preseason game against the Raiders at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Aug. 23, 2025.
LaFleur will be Gannon’s replacement, but the Cardinals are still lost on where to pivot in regards to Murray. The organization seem hell bent to get the former number one overall pick off the roster, which seems directly motivated by Bidwill’s hope in ushering a new era.
Arizona went 1-11 with Jacoby Brissett under center, and with a weak 2026 QB draft, it will need to find an answer for who will be the replacement for the fans and new head coach. In a perfect world, the Cardinals are able opening its new facility in two years with the next franchise quarterback in the building. To get to that point, it seems the organization must first trade Murray.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
