TEMPE, Ariz. — Even if the Cardinals were to seriously consider releasing or trading Kyler Murray, the team would have to deal with a dead cap hit of more than $81 million if that move was made.
According to Spotrac, Murray would be on the hook for more than 32% of Arizona's cap space for the 2024 season if he isn't on the roster, compared to about 20% if he is a part of the Cardinals next season.
Coming off season-highs in touchdown passes (3) and completion percentage (80.7%) in his team's 35-31 win over the Eagles in Philadelphia, Murray earned more publicized belief from head coach Jonathan Gannon that he's the Cardinals' quarterback of the future.
"There’s no doubt. I love that guy," Gannon said on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM's Burns and Gambo Show. "It’s not about one guy, but you know I’m a Kyler guy. Being here for a year with him now, I’m more convicted than when I got here.
"He's done everything we asked. I just feel like the work he's put in to get to this point to play that type of football -- wins or losses -- play the type of football that he has, coming off a knee (injury) in a new system, the competitor that he is, I've been very pleased with him."
Murray has led the Cardinals to a 3-4 record since returning from a torn ACL in Week 10, averaging more than 219 yards through the air and 5.4 yards rushing.
The 26-year-old quarterback credited Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing recently with the seemingly better-looking offense, but his play-caller deflected the praise to its original sender.
"I certainly appreciate but I would say the opposite sentiment," Petzing said. "The plays are the plays, but it's the players that make them work. Those guys have done a really nice job of making plays and putting us in position to wins games and certainly he's a big part of that."
The Cardinals will finish the regular season at home against the Seahawks. Kickoff Sunday is scheduled for 2:25 p.m.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
12Sports on YouTube
Catch up on the latest news and stories from 12Sports on the 12News YouTube page. And don't forget to subscribe!