Kyler Murray’s time in Arizona appears to be winding down, and the 2026 NFL offseason could mark a major turning point in the former No. 1 overall pick’s career. The Cardinals quarterback, who’s racked up over 20,000 passing yards, more than 3,000 rushing yards, and 153 total touchdowns since entering the league in 2019, may be on the move - and there’s no shortage of intrigue surrounding where he might land next.
Despite being the most dynamic player on Arizona’s roster, Murray’s future in the desert is clouded by a combination of factors: a new coaching regime, his recent injury history, and a contract that carries a fully guaranteed $36.8 million price tag for the 2026 season. That’s a lot of money for a quarterback coming off a bumpy year, and it’s clear the Cardinals are at least exploring the possibility of turning the page.
So where could Murray go? Two AFC teams - the Colts and Jets - have been floated as possible destinations.
But there’s also buzz that Murray might prefer to stay in the NFC. According to reports, he’d be interested in suiting up for the Minnesota Vikings, a team that’s clearly in the market for a quarterback and not afraid to make a bold move.
Minnesota has its own set of questions at the position. J.J.
McCarthy, the young signal-caller with just 10 NFL starts under his belt, showed flashes of promise, but the Vikings' front office seems to be shifting gears. With former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah now out, the team could be ready to pivot away from the rookie-contract strategy that once defined their approach.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted that the Vikings are expected to “take a big swing” at quarterback this offseason - and Murray certainly fits that bill.
The logic is simple: running it back with the same formula that led to last year’s frustrations isn’t an option. Minnesota knows it can’t afford to miss again at the most important position on the field. A proven talent like Murray, even with his health and contract concerns, could offer the kind of upside that resets the franchise’s trajectory.
Of course, any team thinking about acquiring Murray will have to weigh the financial commitment. That $36.8 million guaranteed figure for 2026 isn’t just a footnote - it’s a real factor in trade talks. But for quarterback-needy teams willing to bet on talent and upside, it might be a price worth paying.
As for what it would take to pry Murray away from Arizona? The trade market is still taking shape, but early indications suggest a Day 2 pick could be the starting point.
One NFC source believes the bidding could begin with a third-rounder, while others think a second-round pick is within reach if the market heats up. For context, Murray’s situation has been compared to Geno Smith’s trade from Seattle to Las Vegas last March - a deal that brought back a third-round pick.
The Cardinals, for their part, seem open to moving on. With a new staff in place and a potential top draft pick in hand, they’re in position to reset their quarterback timeline. Trading Murray would be a bold move, no doubt, but it might be the cleanest way to start fresh.
So now the spotlight turns to teams like the Vikings - organizations stuck in quarterback limbo, looking for a spark. If Murray’s interested, and Minnesota’s ready to swing big, this could be one of the offseason’s most fascinating storylines. One thing’s for sure: Kyler Murray’s next chapter is coming, and it’s going to shake up the quarterback landscape in a big way.