Quarterback Carousel: Jets, Raiders, and Browns Face Uncertain Futures-and Kyler Murray Could Be in the Mix
As the 2025 NFL season winds down, three franchises find themselves stuck in the same frustrating cycle: searching-again-for a long-term answer at quarterback. The New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Cleveland Browns are all staring down an offseason filled with tough decisions under center. And with Kyler Murray expected to be on the trade block, the question becomes: is he the answer, or just another stopgap?
Raiders’ Gamble on Geno Smith Falls Flat
Las Vegas took a swing on Geno Smith, hoping the veteran could stabilize a position that’s been anything but steady in recent years. Instead, it’s been a rough ride.
Smith has struggled to find rhythm or consistency, and the Raiders have paid the price with another disappointing season. The offense has lacked spark, and Smith hasn’t shown signs that he’s the guy to turn things around.
Now, the franchise faces a familiar crossroads. With a likely top-10 pick in the 2026 draft, the Raiders could be in prime position to reset and draft a quarterback.
That might be the smarter play than chasing a veteran like Murray, who-even with his talent-would cost significant draft capital. For a team that needs a full-scale reboot, mortgaging future picks for a quarterback who may not be elite could be a short-sighted move.
Jets’ Fields Experiment Nearing the End
In New York, the Justin Fields experiment has gone from hopeful to disastrous. Brought in as a potential bridge-and maybe more-Fields has failed to deliver.
Reports suggest the Jets are preparing to move on in 2026, likely cutting ties entirely. That leaves the Jets back where they started: in desperate need of a quarterback, again.
The Jets are expected to be active in the quarterback market next offseason, and while Murray would represent an upgrade over anyone currently on their roster, the same dilemma applies: is it worth the cost? Giving up premium picks for a quarterback who hasn’t consistently played at a top-tier level isn’t a move that fits a team trying to rebuild sustainably. Expect New York to explore both the draft and the veteran market, potentially pairing a rookie with a seasoned backup.
Browns Still Spinning the QB Wheel
Cleveland’s approach to the quarterback position has been aggressive, but not particularly fruitful. After drafting two quarterbacks, trading for Kenny Pickett, and signing Joe Flacco, the Browns still don’t have a clear answer. Flacco and Pickett are already gone, and neither rookie-Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders-has taken control of the job.
It’s a muddled situation, and like the Jets and Raiders, the Browns are likely to be back in the quarterback hunt in 2026. The front office has options: they could roll the dice on another draft pick, or explore the trade market.
Murray, on paper, would be an upgrade. But the Browns must weigh that against the cost of acquiring him-and whether he’s truly a long-term solution or just a temporary fix.
Kyler Murray’s Arizona Exit Looms
Murray’s time in Arizona appears to be coming to an end. He’s still under contract for three more years on a $230 million deal, but the writing’s on the wall. After reportedly being close to getting benched for Jacoby Brissett before landing on injured reserve, the Cardinals have now confirmed Murray won’t return this season.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon didn’t mince words: “He wasn’t progressing in a way that we wanted, so we went and got a different opinion, some different people, and [the foot] is just not right.” That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that once saw Murray as its franchise cornerstone.
According to reports, the expectation is that Arizona will look to trade Murray this offseason rather than release him. And that makes sense-he still holds value, and the Cardinals won’t want to let him walk without getting something in return.
What’s Next?
So, could Murray land with the Jets, Raiders, or Browns? Sure.
All three teams are in the market, and all three could use a spark at quarterback. But the cost-likely a first- or second-round pick-makes it a complicated decision, especially for teams that aren’t just a quarterback away from contention.
More likely, we’ll see all three franchises turn to the 2026 NFL Draft to find their next signal-caller. The Jets and Browns may also bring in veterans to stabilize the position while grooming a rookie. As for the Raiders, they might stick with Smith for another year while developing a young quarterback behind him.
One thing’s clear: the quarterback carousel isn’t slowing down anytime soon. And for these three teams, the next spin could define their future.