According to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss, Murray repeatedly pushed for influence over personnel decisions, including draft choices and player additions. Outside of the 2022 trade for Marquise Brown, one of his closest friends, the team largely dismissed his input.
With Murray now sidelined for the rest of 2025 due to a foot injury, the disconnect between quarterback and franchise has become more pronounced than ever.
Murray’s influence request and Cardinals’ resistance
Sources say Murray wanted his voice heard in shaping the roster, something many modern franchise quarterbacks enjoy. Arizona, however, was hesitant to give him that level of authority, especially following the fallout from the 2022 contract saga that included the now-infamous study clause.
Kyler Murray "wanted his voice heard in personnel decisions and draft choices," but for the most part, the Cardinals "dismissed his requests to add certain players."
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) December 10, 2025
Arizona accommodated Murray's request when the team acquired Marquise "Hollywood" Brown.
(via Josh Weinfuss) pic.twitter.com/0ka34JbM16
The relationship continued to fray as Murray struggled to regain his pre-ACL form and clashed with decision makers behind the scenes. Despite occasional flashes of elite play, inconsistency and injuries made the Cardinals less willing to tailor their long-term plans around him.
A messy separation is now on the horizon
With Jonathan Gannon declining to commit to Murray for 2026 and ESPN reporting a separation is imminent, Arizona appears ready to pivot.
Backup Jacoby Brissett’s strong performances only intensified speculation that the franchise may move on from its former No. 1 pick.
Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon says QB Kyler Murray (foot) won't play again in 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/R1ZqjlVcTi
— NFL (@NFL) December 5, 2025
Teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, and New Orleans Saints have already been linked as potential landing spots.
For Murray, a change of scenery may offer the reset his career needs, while the Cardinals prepare to reshape their team without the quarterback they once believed would define their future.
Photo Credit: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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