Lead
New Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur declined on Tuesday to make an immediate decision about the team’s quarterback room following a season in which Kyler Murray played just five games. Murray, who has spent much of 2025 on injured reserve with a foot injury and missed nine games in 2023, is widely believed to have played his final snap in Arizona after seven seasons and one playoff appearance. LaFleur said roster decisions — including quarterback, offensive line and specialists — are topics the staff will address in due course. He also expressed clear professional admiration for Murray, calling him a difficult opponent and a player he respects.
Key Takeaways
- The Cardinals are expected to move on from Kyler Murray after seven seasons and one playoff game; Murray played five games in 2025.
- Murray missed much of 2025 with a foot injury and previously missed nine games in 2023; the Cardinals are 38-48-1 in his starts.
- New head coach Mike LaFleur declined to name a starter immediately, saying quarterback decisions will be made as part of broader roster evaluation.
- LaFleur said he has “touched base” with Murray and described him as a challenging opponent he respects.
- Murray, Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis are under contract with Arizona for 2026; the eventual starter could come from outside the current roster.
- LaFleur will serve as the play-caller in Arizona; he did not call plays during the past three Rams seasons but previously called plays for two seasons with the Jets.
Background
Kyler Murray was the Cardinals’ first-round pick and began his NFL career as the franchise’s clear starter, but injuries and mixed results have clouded his tenure. Across seven seasons in Arizona, Murray started enough games to compile a 38-48-1 record; the offense showed flashes but the team made only one postseason appearance during that span. Recurring health issues — notably a foot injury that sidelined him for most of 2025 — have intensified scrutiny on whether the club should pursue a new direction at quarterback.
The Cardinals enter an offseason of potential transition. Ownership and the front office face competing pressures: the need to field a competitive roster quickly versus the cost and uncertainty of acquiring an established starter on the open market. With three quarterbacks currently under contract for 2026 (Murray, Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis), Arizona must weigh internal options against trades, free agency and the 2026 draft class.
Main Event
At his introductory availability, LaFleur refused to single out the quarterback position for immediate resolution. He framed the QB decision as one of many roster choices the coaching staff and front office will examine: “We’ve got to go back and talk about all these decisions — quarterback, O-line, specialists,” he said, per team reporting. The comment signaled a methodical evaluation rather than a rushed public pronouncement.
LaFleur confirmed he has contacted Murray since accepting the job, describing the outreach as part of standard onboarding and relationship-building. He emphasized respect for Murray’s ability and impact: “Being in this division for seven years, it was never fun [to play Murray] … I have a lot of respect for him as a player. He was never a fun challenge to go against.” The coach’s words balanced professional courtesy with the reality of an unsettled QB room.
Roster mechanics complicate the timeline. Murray, Brissett and Slovis remain under contract for 2026, which gives Arizona flexibility but also creates salary- and roster-management questions. LaFleur noted that the starter for the 2026 season “might not be on the roster” today, openly acknowledging outside acquisition is on the table.
On scheming matters, LaFleur said he will resume play-calling duties in Arizona. He did not have play-calling responsibilities over the past three seasons while with the Los Angeles Rams, but previously served as the Jets’ play-caller for two seasons and told reporters he “missed it,” indicating a desire to shape the offense directly.
Analysis & Implications
The immediate implication is that Arizona plans a full evaluation rather than an instant endorsement or release of Kyler Murray. That buys the franchise time to measure Murray’s health and performance, assess internal alternatives and survey the market for veteran options. For Murray, limited availability in 2025 and a history of missed games make medical clearance and schematic fit key bargaining points.
For the front office, the decision touches on cap management and talent acquisition strategy. Trading for an established starter could require significant draft capital or salary commitments; conversely, leaning on Brissett or Slovis keeps resources for other roster upgrades. LaFleur’s statement that a 2026 starter “might not be on the roster” suggests Arizona will weigh both approaches seriously.
LaFleur’s return to play-calling is consequential for any QB the team fields. A head coach who calls plays can quickly tailor the offense around a specific passer’s strengths, which may shorten the adjustment period for a new arrival or improve results with an incumbent. That said, shifting play-calling responsibilities also places more in-game tactical pressure on LaFleur and heightens the importance of offensive coordinator support and offensive-line protection plans.
Comparison & Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Seasons in Arizona | 7 |
| Playoff appearances | 1 |
| 2025 games played | 5 |
| Games missed in 2023 | 9 |
| Record in Murray starts | 38-48-1 |
The table above summarizes the core facts shaping Arizona’s QB decision. Those figures — especially the combination of limited recent availability and a below-.500 starting record — help explain why the organization appears open to significant roster moves this offseason.
Reactions & Quotes
LaFleur’s comments drew immediate attention because they combine restraint on personnel decisions with clear professional praise for Murray’s play.
“We’ve got to go back and talk about all these decisions — quarterback, O-line, specialists. Everything. It’s our job and for these players to build the best roster at each position.”
Mike LaFleur / Cardinals availability (via team reporting)
He later reflected on the competitive challenge Murray presented when LaFleur faced him as an opponent.
“Being in this division for seven years, it was never fun [to play Murray] … I have a lot of respect for him as a player. He was never a fun challenge to go against.”
Mike LaFleur / Cardinals availability (via team reporting)
On play-calling, LaFleur was succinct and personal, signaling his intent to take control of offensive game planning.
“I missed it.”
Mike LaFleur (on calling plays)
Unconfirmed
- That Kyler Murray has definitively played his final snap for the Cardinals — the assertion is widely reported but not officially confirmed by the team.
- Reports that the Cardinals will categorically move on from Murray this offseason — front-office decisions have not been formally announced.
- Any specific trade or signing targets for Arizona’s 2026 quarterback plan — no public offers or deals have been disclosed.
Bottom Line
Mike LaFleur’s initial public stance is deliberately cautious: he is preserving options while signaling respect for Kyler Murray. The combination of Murray’s recent injury history, a sub-.500 starting record and three quarterbacks under contract for 2026 means Arizona will likely weigh both internal and external routes for the starting job.
Practically, the club’s timeline will depend on medical evaluations, offseason workouts and the broader quarterback market. LaFleur’s intention to call plays raises the stakes on whichever QB is chosen or acquired: the offensive approach will be built around that decision, and the head coach will bear direct responsibility for the on-field outcomes.