If the New York Jets are serious about finding a long-term answer at quarterback, they might need to think outside the draft. And according to recent buzz, that could mean looking toward the desert-and Kyler Murray.
The Arizona Cardinals quarterback is reportedly a name to watch on the trade market this offseason, and the Jets are being floated as a potential landing spot. It’s not hard to see why.
With uncertainty surrounding their ability to land a top rookie QB in the upcoming draft, New York might be compelled to explore veteran options. Murray, despite a rocky past couple of seasons, still brings a dynamic skill set that could intrigue a team desperate to stabilize the position.
Let’s unpack what this could mean.
Murray, 28, is coming off a frustrating 2025 campaign that saw him limited to just five starts due to a foot injury. He was placed on injured reserve in early November, ending his season prematurely.
In those five games, Murray completed 110 of 161 passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions-good for an 88.6 passer rating. He also chipped in 173 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping Arizona to a 2-3 record in his appearances.
The injury concerns are real, but so is the upside. When healthy, Murray is one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the league.
His dual-threat ability puts pressure on defenses in ways few others can replicate. Over his seven-year career, the former No. 1 overall pick has thrown for over 20,000 yards and 121 touchdowns, while adding 3,193 rushing yards and 32 scores on the ground.
He was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2021, even leading the Cardinals to the playoffs in that latter season.
But the Cardinals’ offense has looked inconsistent with Murray under center in recent years, and there’s growing chatter that the franchise may be ready to hit the reset button. With a new head coach set to take over in 2026, Arizona could be eyeing a fresh start at quarterback. That makes Murray a potential trade chip-albeit an expensive one.
His $53.3 million cap hit in 2026 is a major hurdle, and it could limit what Arizona gets in return. According to at least one source, the starting price in trade talks could be a second-round pick. That’s not a small investment, but it’s a far cry from the haul typically associated with a former No. 1 pick and two-time Pro Bowler.
Enter the Jets.
New York has been in quarterback purgatory for years, and with the clock ticking on a talented defense and a win-now roster, they may not have the luxury of waiting for a rookie to develop. If they strike out in the draft, a trade for Murray could represent a bold swing-one that comes with risk, but also real potential reward.
Of course, there are questions. Can Murray stay healthy?
Can he thrive in a new system, in a new city, under the bright lights of New York? And can the Jets make the financials work without gutting their roster?
Those are big “ifs,” but desperate times often call for bold moves. And for a franchise still searching for its quarterback of the future, Kyler Murray might just be the kind of gamble worth taking.