The writing may be on the wall in Arizona, and it’s not looking good for Kyler Murray.
Despite a new offensive-minded head coach stepping in, the Cardinals appear poised to move on from their former No. 1 overall pick this offseason. According to multiple reports, including one from Jason La Canfora, league insiders expect Arizona to trade Murray - but not without a significant financial hit. The general belief is that the Cardinals will need to absorb a large chunk of Murray’s contract just to make a deal happen.
That’s no small feat. Murray’s deal is one of the more complex quarterback contracts in the league, with substantial guaranteed money still on the books.
But Arizona seems ready to bite the bullet. One personnel executive told La Canfora, “We hear they are going with (Jacoby) Brissett and want to get Kyler out of there.”
That’s a pretty direct signal that the franchise is closing the book on the Murray era.
This isn’t the first time Murray’s name has surfaced in trade talks this offseason. ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported that the Cardinals plan to explore trade options for the 2019 top pick. And with Murray clearly on the market, it’s only natural to wonder who might be interested.
Two teams that could come into play? The Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Let’s start with Minnesota. The Vikings are heading into 2026 with more questions than answers at quarterback.
J.J. McCarthy, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, hasn’t done enough to lock down the job.
His 2025 campaign was underwhelming, and injury concerns have only added to the uncertainty. While the team is expected to bring in a veteran presence behind McCarthy, there’s a growing sense that they may be open to a more dramatic shift - potentially replacing him altogether.
A trade for Murray would fall firmly into that category. It’s not just about adding experience; it’s about resetting the quarterback position with a player who, despite his inconsistencies, still offers elite-level athleticism and playmaking upside.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert recently reported that “all bets are off” when it comes to McCarthy’s future in Minnesota. That kind of language doesn’t exactly scream confidence in the young QB.
And don’t rule out the possibility that McCarthy himself could be part of a potential deal with Arizona. The Cardinals are clearly in rebuild mode, and acquiring a young, cost-controlled quarterback might be appealing for a team that currently has no clear plan at the position.
Then there’s Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ quarterback situation is in flux as they wait for clarity on Aaron Rodgers’ future. If Rodgers decides to retire or play elsewhere, Pittsburgh is left with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph as their top options - a duo that doesn’t exactly inspire long-term confidence.
The Steelers’ recent hire of Mike McCarthy as head coach suggests they’re not interested in a full teardown. This is a team looking to stay competitive in 2026, and that means finding a legitimate answer at quarterback. If Rodgers isn’t in the picture, pursuing a player like Murray could be a way to stay relevant without hitting the reset button.
Of course, any trade for Murray comes with risk. His injury history, contract, and uneven play over the past couple of seasons are all part of the equation. But for teams like the Vikings and Steelers - franchises stuck in quarterback limbo - the upside might be worth the gamble.
One thing’s clear: the Cardinals are ready to move on. Now it’s just a matter of who’s willing to take the leap.