Which teams could pursue Kyler Murray? 5 potential landing spots for the former No. 1 pick
The transfer was largely anticipated. But it could have ramifications for quarterback-needy teams round the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals plan to release quarterback Kyler Murray subsequent Wednesday on the first day of the league 12 months, sources confirmed to TheAthletic on Tuesday.
Why are the Cardinals set to half methods with the 28-year-old? Despite being named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, Murray by no means fairly lived as much as expectations throughout his seven seasons in Arizona. He made two Pro Bowls, however he was simply 38-48-1 as a starter. He performed in only one playoff sport — a 34-11 loss to the Rams in January 2022. Last season, Murray performed in solely 5 video games on account of a foot damage.
There had been additionally monetary issues. Arizona already assured Murray $36.8 million subsequent season. Another $19.5 million of his 2027 wage would have grow to be assured on March 15 had Murray remained on the workforce’s roster.
But that does not imply there will not be different teams concerned about the former No. 1 pick from Oklahoma. It appears probably that no less than 5 franchises could have critical curiosity in Murray (presumpting Aaron Rodgers returns to play for the Steelers). Where will I find yourself? We let our beat writers make a case for their workforce.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta undoubtedly wants a quarterback (or two). The Falcons nonetheless do not know if Michael Penix Jr. shall be able to play by Week 1, and he shall be the solely quarterback below contract eleven Kirk Cousins is released subsequent week.
The third-year professional suffered a torn ACL on Nov. 16 of final 12 months, and whereas new normal supervisor Ian Cunningham has mentioned Penix’s rehabilitation is on monitor, that monitor can differ from 9 to 12 months. A nine-month restoration would have Penix prepared for the season opener, however he nonetheless would have missed most or all of the workforce’s offseason and preseason work, which can hamper his potential to digest first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system.
Murray’s price ticket for the 2026 season is low sufficient that he’d be an excellent insurance coverage coverage financially, however the Falcons’ state of affairs is extra sophisticated than that. Penix’s first two seasons had been a little bit of a curler coaster, and the No. 8 pick in 2024 has solely received 4 of his 12 skilled begins. Bringing in a participant of Murray’s caliber could sign to him that Stefanski, Cunningham and new president of soccer Matt Ryan are skeptical about his long-term improvement. — Josh Kendall, Falcons reporter
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are no less than exploring their quarterback choices. And they’re most likely worth shopping for, which makes Murray a potential goal provided that he will play on one thing near a minimal contract in 2026. But Murray might be trying for a clear-cut beginning position as he tries to revive his profession, and different spots would possibly provide each a greater supporting solid and a extra outlined position at this early stage of the offseason.
The Browns have a developmental possibility in Shedeur Sanders, a last-resort possibility in Deshaun Watson and several other alternative ways the remainder of the state of affairs would possibly go relying on what new coach Todd Monken thinks — and Monken is protecting his true ideas and evaluations to himself. The Browns nearly definitely have mentioned Murray and may need additional conversations, nevertheless it’s arduous to think about a direct marriage between the sides. —Zac Jackson, Browns reporter
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins made a ton of sense for Murray, nearly totally for monetary causes. They’re in a disastrous salary-cap state of affairs due to Tua Tagovailoa’s contract, they usually’ve already been shedding payroll simply to area a roster. The Dolphins will battle to be aggressive subsequent season, so that they’d be much better off with a veteran quarterback who could deal with the adversity, fairly than an inexperienced participant who’d be extra prone to crumble.
The Vikings and Falcons have higher rosters and offensive-minded head coaches, so the Dolphins cannot actually compete with that. But whether or not it is LeBron James, Lionel Messi or so many others, there is a lengthy historical past of big-name athletes being enticed by the South Beach highlight and life-style. No suitor would provide something similar to Miami.
It would possibly simply be for a one-year rental, as the Dolphins must be poised to pounce on the 2027 QB draft class. But possibly Murray unlocks the upper-end expertise he is flashed — too inconsistently — with the desperation of his profession being in the stability. And on the likelihood they proved to be match, Miami could be a extremely enjoyable spot for Murray’s second act. —Jeff Howe, nationwide insider
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are anticipated to have critical discussions this week about Murray. But he has already been on their radar. They’re in the market for an skilled, productive and dependable starter who is not going to interrupt the financial institution. Murray addresses numerous these points.
In Minnesota’s eyes, Murray’s uncooked expertise is plain. He throws precisely. He is a playmaker. It’s straightforward to ascertain Murray working lots of the Vikings’ boot ideas, permitting him to get out on the run and deal with one space of the area. Murray’s curiosity in Minnesota is sensible, too. Coach Kevin O’Connell has labored effectively with veteran quarterbacks, and famous person receiver Justin Jefferson provides an outlet that Murray hasn’t had.
There are no less than two main questions, although: (*1*) with a participant like Geno Smith, if he is launched by the Raiders? And what would Murray’s presence imply for 23-year-old quarterback JJ McCarthy? The Vikings like to throw the soccer over the center. That’s not Murray’s greatest power. The Vikings have additionally wished to string the needle of discovering a quarterback who retains McCarthy’s improvement door open, however Murray would nearly definitely obtain the beginning job upon arrival.
The Vikings brass shall be speaking by these dynamics this week. Murray, although, is a viable possibility. —Alec Lewis, Vikings reporter
New York Jets
The Jets will completely discover the thought of including Murray as their quarterback — and I can inform you with certainty that they had been already having discussions about it in Indianapolis final week. There are clearly numerous knocks in opposition to him — dimension, sturdiness, popularity — and he isn’t the type of quarterback offensive coordinator Frank Reich normally prefers.
But relative to the different choices on the desk, I’m undecided they could do significantly better — particularly contemplating he’ll price subsequent to nothing financially, giving the Jets leeway to make use of their draft capital and cap area to replenish the roster.
Coach Aaron Glenn has a relationship with Murray’s father — they each performed at Texas A&M, though not at the similar time — and has sometimes most popular quarterbacks with mobility. The Jets’ supporting solid on offense is not unhealthy both: a stable offensive line, a No. 1 huge receiver (Garrett Wilson) and a gifted working again (Breece Hall). —Zack Rosenblatt, Jets reporter
