The early portion of the new league year often represents a key checkpoint with respect to future guarantees vesting. In the case of Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, much of his 2026 compensation has now been locked in. 
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By virtue of remaining on Arizona’s roster past Saturday, Murray’s base salary for the 2026 season ($22.84MM) has shifted to a full guarantee. In addition, $10MM of his $17MM roster bonus – to be paid out next March – is now guaranteed (h/t Tom Pelissero of NFL Network). Of the $42.54MM Murray is scheduled to make in 2026, all but roughly $10MM is now locked in as a result.
The 2019 No. 1 pick has faced questions about his Cardinals future following the ACL tear which ended his 2022 campaign. Murray’s rehab kept him sidelined until Week 10 of the following season, but he did not encounter any setbacks and logged a full slate in 2024. The Cardinals will look for that run of health to continue into 2025 and beyond while aiming to take another step forward under head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort.
Gannon has been vocal on more than one occasion about his support for Murray as Arizona’s starter over the short- and long-term future. The first year of the Gannon-Ossenfort regime saw the team only post four wins, but three of them came after Murray returned to the lineup. The Cardinals progressed to 8-9 in 2024, with a poor run after the bye week ending their chances of topping the NFC West. Continued development will of course require high-end play on Murray’s part.
The 27-year-old’s completion percentage (68.8%) and passing yards (3,851) from 2024 were the second-highest of his career. Murray added 572 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, so mobility will not be a question mark moving forward. Overall, Arizona finished 12th in scoring and 11th in total offense last year; improvement in the passing game would go a long way in ensuring development on that side of the ball and giving the Cardinals a chance to at least qualify for a wild-card berth in 2025.
Murray’s 2022 extension has him on the books for four more years. As things stand, none of his salaries for 2027 or ’28 are locked in, but that will change one year from now if things go according to plan. His $19.5MM salary for the 2027 season will vest next March provided he remains in the fold. Of course, a strong campaign this coming season could also open the door to a new pact being worked out.