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.
| Player | Position | 2025 Cap Hit | Base Salary | Guaranteed 2025 | Contract Through |
| Kyler Murray | QB | $43.3M | $18M | $29.9M | 2028 |
| Jonah Williams | OL | $16.1M | $9.4M | $9.4M | 2026 |
| Jalen Thompson | S | $13.7M | $9.5M | $9.5M | 2027 |
| Justin Jones | DT | $11.3M | $5.2M | $5.2M | 2026 |
| Budda Baker | S | $10.8M | $7M | $7M | 2027 |
| Sean Murphy-Bunting | CB | $10M | $7M | $4.6M | 2027 |
| Trey McBride | TE | $9.5M | $3.3M | $3.3M (5th-year) | 2025 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr | WR | $8M | $1.1M | $35.4M total | 2028 (rookie) |
| Bilal Nichols | DL | $7.8M | $5.8M | – | 2026 |
| Paris Johnson | OL | $7.7M | $1.8M | $26.5M total | 2027 (rookie) |
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.
| Player | Position | Est. Net Worth | Age | Career Earnings | Major Endorsements |
| Kyler Murray | QB | $40M-$55M | 28 | $138M+ | FaZe Clan, Call of Duty, NFL licensing |
| Budda Baker | S | $15M-$20M | 29 | $80.3M | Nike, Arizona brands |
| Jonah Williams | OL | $12M-$18M | 28 | $45M+ | Regional partnerships |
| Jalen Thompson | S | $8M-$12M | 27 | $35M+ | – |
| Justin Jones | DT | $6M-$10M | 29 | $28M+ | – |
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).
