The Arizona Cardinals have decided to part ways with quarterback Kyler Murray when the new league season begins next week. middle
Urray, a former No. 1 overall pick, could play on a cheaper contract next season as he still has to pay the $36.8 million remaining on his contract.
This is a move that benefits both sides. The Cardinals can now go all-in on their rebuild, and having to eat up Kyler’s contract in a down year doesn’t hurt much. As for Murray, he can now move on to a contender and join a team that will put him in a much better situation than he has been in for at least the past four seasons.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota appears to be the frontrunner at the moment and is a very interesting combination. The Vikings have absolutely no faith in JJ McCarthy, and replacing him with the former Pro Bowler could help get the team back on track. Murray will provide much-needed support in the run game right away and should at least be able to force the ball to Justin Jefferson.
Aaron Jones is scheduled to be released by Minnesota at the start of the new league year, so adding a mobile presence like Murray could help replace the veteran in the ground game. I’m not sure Murray is the perfect schematic for Kevin O’Connell in the West Coast offense. I’m not sure there’s a player on the market that fits that offense very well. Maybe Mac Jones?
Pittsburgh Steelers
Speaking of schemes that don’t suit Murray, it looks like he could be the next veteran quarterback to suit up for the Steelers in 2026. Mike McCarthy isn’t taking over Pittsburgh to manage a rebuild, and his only options at play-caller right now are the ghosts of Will Howard and Aaron Rodgers.
Of course, if Rodgers decides to return, he’ll likely be McCarthy’s guy due to his success in Green Bay, but Murray still feels like a much more interesting option. Pittsburgh hasn’t had much success on the ground since Le’Veon Bell left town, and Murray could potentially make up for any deficiencies the Steelers have with his ability to force them out of structure.
DK Metcalf would be an interesting pairing with Murray, and it at least feels like Murray might look shorter in a Steelers uniform.
new york jets
Another team that could be in the mix is the Jets. They desperately need a new quarterback, and they might be the only team stupid enough to pay him more than the veteran minimum. Frankly, the Jets could put something decent around Murray.
Garrett Wilson was the true No. 1 receiver, catching passes from the worst quarterback in the NFL. Breece Hall is a legitimate No. 1 running back who just received the franchise tag, and there have been rumors that the Jets will pursue Makai Lemon with one of this year’s first-round picks.
I’m not saying it’s a Super Bowl winning offense, but it would be one of the most exciting cores New York has had in years. The Jets will need to spend money on defense, but if they want to go after Murray offensively, they could probably field a decent roster around him.
