Cardinals Kyler Murray replacement bears $30 million price tag

Story byBurn City SportsCardinals Kyler Murray replacement bears $30 million price tagOct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesTanner TortorellaSun, March 1, 2026 at 12:40 AM UTC·2 min read

GLENDALE – The top choice to be Kyler Murray’s replacement for the Arizona Cardinals won’t come cheap. With a weak 2026 QB class in this year’s draft, Arizona is expected to look towards free agency for their next franchise quarterback, with former Green Bay Packers’ Malik Willis on top of the list. The Cardinals have connections to Willis, which makes the match perfect.

However, the 26-year-old is looking towards a massive pay day, upwards to $30 million annually, according to NBCSports’ Matthew Berry.

Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Willis comes at a high price for Cardinals:

It’s a risky move to sign a quarterback who has only started six games in his first four seasons to a contract that large. The franchise seems adamant to get off Murray’s massive contract and give its new head coach Mike LaFleur an experienced guy under center. Another reason is because of general manager Monti Ossenfort relationship with Willis.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ossenfort was with the Tennessee Titans front office when they were scouting Willis in the 2022 draft. The 48-year-old has seen up close the type of player the former third-round pick was and certainly feels comfortable with giving him a look in free agency.

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At the NFL Combine, Ossenfort stated that the team would look at all options and mentioned Willis. The reports and fit seems to0 good to pass up for Arizona, but the price tag is a valid concern.

Cardinals meet with highly-rated QB at 2026 NFL Combine

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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports

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