Kyler Murray Trade Talk Heats Up as Cardinals Eye Draft Capital
GLENDALE - While much of the buzz in Arizona has centered around the Cardinals' head coaching search, there’s a much bigger storyline quietly building steam: the future of quarterback Kyler Murray. After seven seasons in the desert and two Pro Bowl appearances, Murray’s time in Arizona appears to be nearing its end. And with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Cardinals are in prime position to capitalize on his trade value-if they act quickly.
Here’s where things get interesting: the Cardinals are working against a tight financial deadline. Murray’s $19.7 million base salary for the 2027 season becomes fully guaranteed on March 15, just five days into the new league year.
That gives general manager Monti Ossenfort a narrow window-starting March 11-to find a trade partner and finalize a deal. If the team wants to avoid taking on that guaranteed money, the clock is already ticking.
Now, let’s talk value. Despite the ups and downs, Murray remains one of the league’s most electric playmakers.
He’s still just 28, and his dual-threat ability makes him a tantalizing option for quarterback-needy teams. According to CBS Sports, a team like the New York Jets could be willing to give up a second-round pick to land him.
That might not sound like a blockbuster return at first glance, but given the context, it could be a pivotal move for both sides.
The Jets are far from the only team reportedly in the mix. The Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers have all been linked to Murray in some capacity.
But here’s the catch: Las Vegas is widely expected to take Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, locking in their quarterback of the future. Meanwhile, Minnesota and Pittsburgh seem more inclined to stick with their current starters-at least for now.
That leaves New York as the most intriguing suitor. The 2026 quarterback draft class isn’t exactly loaded, and the Jets are in desperate need of a reliable starter. Murray could be the perfect bridge-someone who can keep them competitive now while they continue to search for a long-term answer under center.
For Arizona, this is about more than just moving on from Murray. It’s about resetting the roster and loading up on draft picks.
A second-rounder from the Jets would land near the top of the round-essentially giving the Cardinals another first-round caliber selection. If that pick comes this year, Arizona would hold the No.
3, No. 33, and No. 34 selections in the 2026 draft. That’s a treasure chest of assets for a team with multiple holes to fill.
Whether the Cardinals use those picks to draft top-tier talent or trade back for even more capital, they’d be in a strong position to reshape the roster and build a foundation for the future. The key now is timing. If Arizona can strike a deal before that March 15 deadline, they’ll not only avoid a costly financial hit-they’ll also take a major step toward a full-scale rebuild.
The Kyler Murray era in Arizona may be coming to a close, but depending on how the next few weeks unfold, it could set the stage for a new chapter-one built on smart moves, draft capital, and a fresh direction.