Arizona Cardinals Players Salary: Kyler’s $43M Cap Hit Anchors $70M Spending Flexibility

Arizona Cardinals manage $70-80 million projected cap space for 2025 season ranking top-5 NFL-wide despite Kyler Murray’s $43.3 million cap charge consuming 14.8% of team’s $293 million ceiling.

Murray’s five-year $230.5 million extension signed July 2022 features $103.3 million fully guaranteed creating complex cap structure through 2028. Jonah Williams ($16.1M), Jalen Thompson ($13.7M), and Justin Jones ($11.3M) complete top-five most expensive Cardinals with Budda Baker’s December 2024 extension ($10.8M cap hit) securing defensive cornerstone.

Check individual player biography and net worth information for Arizona’s complete roster.

Cardinals’ Premium Earners

Murray’s $43.3 million cap hit dwarfs remaining roster with only five players exceeding $10 million charges. Rookie contracts for Marvin Harrison Jr ($8M) and Paris Johnson ($7.7M) provide value while team maintains championship window flexibility.

Murray earned $38.85 million cash in 2024 combining $37 million base salary plus bonuses. His 2025 payout drops to $32.6 million ($18M base + $11.9M roster bonus + $1.86M workout bonus) creating cap savings through restructured payments.

Baker’s three-year $54 million extension (December 2024) features $17.4 million guaranteed securing eight-time Pro Bowler through age 31 after trade request drama resolved.

Richest Cardinals by Career Earnings

Murray’s $40 million net worth leads active roster built through $137.9 million career earnings across six seasons. Baker’s 10-year tenure generated $80.3 million total compensation establishing veteran wealth foundation.

Murray’s $54.6 million net worth (Forbes estimate) stems from $138 million NFL earnings plus endorsements with gaming brands. His FaZe Clan membership (2021) and Call of Duty esports partnership (2024) create six-figure annual supplementary income beyond football salary.

Baker accumulated $15-20 million through decade-long Cardinals career averaging $10 million annually since 2020 extension. His Nike partnership and local Arizona sponsorships generate $500K-$1 million yearly off-field earnings.

Cap Space Breakdown and Future Flexibility

Cardinals project $70-80 million available 2025 cap space after offseason maneuvering positions team for aggressive free agency. Dead money ($13.5M) represents just 4.6% of cap creating clean books versus league average 8-10%.

Active Cap Commitments: $264.2 million (90.2% of $293M ceiling) with $15.4 million current available space before accounting for released players and restructures.

2026 Outlook: Murray’s cap hit balloons to $53.3 million (17.1% of projected $307M cap) as guaranteed $36.8 million salary triggers creating decision point for extension or trade ($17.9M dead money if moved pre-June 1).

Dead Cap Situation: Minimal dead money provides flexibility with largest charge being released players’ prorated bonuses totaling $13.5 million across roster.

Rookie Contract Savings: Harrison Jr ($8M cap hit on $35.4M guaranteed rookie deal) and Johnson ($7.7M) provide elite production at below-market rates through 2027-2028.

Position Group Spending Strategy

Cardinals allocate 26% of cap space ($76M+) to offensive line and quarterback protecting franchise cornerstones. Defensive secondary investment ($34M combined Baker/Thompson/Murphy-Bunting) reflects pass-first NFC West division priorities.

Quarterback Room: Murray ($43.3M) plus backups ($2M) = $45.3M total QB spending representing 15.5% of team cap.

Offensive Line: Williams ($16.1M), Johnson ($7.7M), plus four additional starters = $45M+ combined protection investment.

Defensive Secondary: Baker ($10.8M), Thompson ($13.7M), Murphy-Bunting ($10M) = $34.5M total safety/corner spending.

Pass Rush: Josh Sweat ($7.3M 2025, jumps to $16.4M 2026), Nichols ($7.8M), Jones ($11.3M) = $26.4M defensive front investment.

FAQs

Who is Arizona Cardinals’ highest-paid player in 2025?

Kyler Murray carries $43.3 million cap hit earning $32.6 million cash ($18M base + $11.9M roster bonus + $1.86M workout). His five-year $230.5 million extension features $103.3 million guaranteed through 2028 with $40-55 million net worth from $138 million career earnings.

How much cap space do Cardinals have for 2025?

Cardinals project $70-80 million available cap space ranking top-5 NFL-wide after current $264.2 million commitments against $293 million ceiling. Dead money of just $13.5M (4.6% of cap) provides clean books for aggressive free agency spending.

What is Kyler Murray’s contract worth?

Murray’s 2022 extension pays $230.5 million over five years ($46.1M average annual value) with $103.3 million fully guaranteed. His 2025 cap hit of $43.3M represents 14.8% of team ceiling while 2026 escalates to $53.3M creating potential trade/extension decision point.

Which Cardinals players have highest net worth?

Kyler Murray ($40-55M) leads through $138M career earnings plus FaZe Clan and Call of Duty gaming endorsements. Budda Baker ($15-20M) ranks second from $80.3M career compensation and Nike partnership generating $500K-$1M annually off-field.

Who are Cardinals’ top rookie contract values?

Marvin Harrison Jr ($8M cap hit, $35.4M guaranteed through 2028) and Paris Johnson ($7.7M cap, $26.5M guaranteed through 2027) provide elite production at below-market rates. Harrison’s self-negotiated rookie deal saves team millions versus veteran WR market ($25M+ annually).