Arizona Cardinals will release quarterback Kyler Murray when the new league year begins March 11, according to an anonymous source. The former first overall draft pick posted an emotional farewell message to fans, apologizing for not bringing a championship to the franchise during his seven seasons.

TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will be cut loose when the new NFL league year starts on March 11, according to a source with knowledge of the team’s plans who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press.

The source requested anonymity since the team cannot make the decision official until next week.

Murray, who was selected first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and earned Pro Bowl honors twice, will become a free agent able to sign with any franchise once Arizona releases him. The move comes despite the team owing him $36.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026.

The 28-year-old quarterback shared an emotional farewell with Arizona supporters on social media, expressing disappointment over his inability to deliver greater success during his time with the organization. Throughout his seven-year stint, Murray guided the Cardinals to just one playoff appearance — a wild-card defeat in 2021.

“To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Murray posted. “I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.

“I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it. Godspeed,” he added.

This past season proved challenging for Murray, who appeared in only five contests, completing passes for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions before sustaining a foot injury during a game against Tennessee. While the Cardinals initially expected Murray to return within weeks, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s strong performance sparked a quarterback debate.

Murray was subsequently placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the campaign. Arizona struggled to a 3-14 finish and dismissed head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Murray joined the Cardinals amid tremendous anticipation following his Heisman Trophy victory at Oklahoma in 2019, and he delivered memorable moments early in his career.

He earned AP Offensive Rookie of the Year recognition and created spectacular highlights, including the famous “Hail Murray” play in 2020 when he found DeAndre Hopkins for a last-second touchdown victory over Buffalo.

Murray’s finest season came in 2021 when Arizona raced to a 10-2 record through early December. However, the team stumbled late, dropping four of their last five regular season games before falling to the Los Angeles Rams 34-11 in the wild-card playoffs.

The Cardinals committed to Murray with a massive $230.5 million, five-year contract in 2022 featuring $160 million guaranteed, but the partnership quickly soured. Shortly after the signing, the organization removed an unusual contract provision requiring four hours of “independent study” during game weeks.

This controversy raised questions about Murray’s dedication, permanently damaging his relationship with the franchise.

Murray suffered an ACL tear against New England in 2022, sidelining him for the remainder of that season and a significant portion of the 2023 schedule. The team fired coach Kliff Kingsbury following the 2022 campaign and brought in Gannon as his replacement.

The partnership between Gannon and Murray showed potential in 2024 as the Cardinals improved to 8-9 and remained in playoff contention until the season’s final weeks.

However, the 2025 season quickly unraveled, accelerating Murray’s departure from Arizona.