The New England Patriots are gearing up for a challenging 2026 season, facing a first-place schedule that promises to be anything but easy. Their division rivals are making moves that could shake up the AFC East landscape. The Bills have brought in Joe Brady as their new head coach, and the Jets are poised to make significant strides with fresh draft picks and ample salary cap space.
Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins are in a transitional phase. After several lackluster seasons with just one playoff appearance under the previous coaching regime, Jeff Hafley and his staff are working on a roster overhaul. They've already started by releasing high-profile players like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, but there's more work to be done to re-establish themselves as contenders.
A potential quick fix could be the acquisition of a veteran quarterback. While the roster boasts talent like De'Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle, Aaron Brewer, and Jordyn Brooks, the quarterback situation remains a concern.
Tua Tagovailoa and Quinn Ewers haven't provided the stability needed, with Tua throwing 15 interceptions over 14 games last season. Ewers showed promise in his limited starts but hasn't proven to be a reliable starter yet.
Enter Kyler Murray, a name generating buzz as a possible fit for the Dolphins. With the Arizona Cardinals in rebuild mode, Murray's hefty contract and limited availability over recent seasons make him a candidate for a trade or release. If Miami can navigate the complexities of moving on from Tua, bringing in Murray could be a strategic move.
The Dolphins are exploring several quarterback options this offseason. Tanner McKee from Philadelphia and Jalen Milroe have been mentioned as possibilities.
However, Malik Willis, with ties to Dolphins' GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, stands out as a compelling option. Willis had a rough start in Tennessee but showed marked improvement in Green Bay, boasting a near-79% completion rate and nine touchdowns over two seasons.
Despite the hype around Willis, Kyler Murray's proven track record in the NFL makes him an attractive option. Even with recent injury challenges, Murray has a career ratio of 153 total touchdowns to 68 turnovers and consistently delivers both through the air and on the ground.
If Murray ends up in Miami, he would have a solid array of offensive weapons at his disposal. While the Dolphins' defense might not be elite, the offensive potential and attractive location could make Miami a desirable destination for Murray.
The Patriots are well aware of Murray's capabilities, having faced him in 2024 when he led the Cardinals to a victory with impressive efficiency. If Murray joins the Dolphins, the Patriots will need to be prepared to face him twice a year, adding another layer of intrigue to an already competitive division.