
Arizona Cardinals sign Gardner Minshew to replace Kyler Murray
Arizona Cardinals sign Gardner Minshew to replace Kyler Murray
- Gardner Minshew has signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals worth up to $8.25 million.
- Kyler Murray is expected to be released by the Cardinals, but the announcement has not yet been made.
- The Cardinals are positioning themselves for the future while dealing with Murray's uncertain status.
Story
In the United States, the Arizona Cardinals have actively participated in the 2026 NFL free agency, making headlines by signing Gardner Minshew. The recent deal, announced before the commencement of the NFL league year, is a one-year contract worth $5.75 million, with up to $8.25 million possible in incentives. This signing comes in light of Kyler Murray's impending release from the team, an event that has been anticipated for several weeks but has not yet been officially confirmed by the Cardinals. Minshew's recruitment underscores Arizona’s urgency to fill the quarterback position amidst ongoing speculation surrounding Murray’s future. Gardner Minshew, who began his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2019 Draft, has experienced varied success in his tenure. He famously led the Jaguars while gaining a cult following known as "Minshew Mania" but has since navigated multiple teams, including a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles as a backup. His most recent performance with the Indianapolis Colts revitalized his career, featuring a solid showing across 17 games with impressive stats. With Murray's expected departure, Minshew now stands as a viable option for the Cardinals in their search for a quarterback. On the other hand, Kyler Murray is in a complicated position, as the Arizona Cardinals haven't disclosed his release plan publicly. Reports indicated that the team informed Murray about their intention to cut him, effectively causing a delay that prevents him from pursuing other opportunities in the league. Many view this approach as somewhat restrictive and reminiscent of a hostage situation, as Murray is unable to negotiate with other teams during this critical free agency window. As the league year opens on March 13, both Minshew and Murray's situations will have significant implications for the Cardinals' plans moving forward. With the possibility of drafting a new quarterback and the upcoming seasons' quarterback classes on the horizon, the Cardinals are looking toward strengthening their roster while navigating the complicated world of player contracts and free agency.