As the New England Patriots gear up for the Super Bowl, the rest of the AFC East is already turning the page to next season - and for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, that means figuring out who will be under center in Week 1.
Both teams are heading into the offseason with question marks at quarterback, and that uncertainty could open the door for a major shake-up. One name being floated as a potential trade target? Kyler Murray.
The Arizona Cardinals quarterback is drawing attention as a possible offseason mover, and the timing could be critical. Murray’s contract includes a key date: March 15th, the fifth day of the 2026 league year.
That’s when his $19.7 million base salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed. If the Cardinals are going to make a move, it would make sense to do it before that deadline hits.
There’s also the draft to consider. The 2026 quarterback class isn’t being hyped as one of the stronger groups in recent memory, which could push QB-needy teams to look toward the veteran market. That’s where Murray, a former No. 1 overall pick with elite athleticism and a dynamic arm, becomes a compelling option.
Now, what could a potential trade look like? Last offseason, the Seahawks moved Geno Smith for a third-round pick.
While Smith brought stability and leadership, Murray - when healthy - offers a much higher ceiling. He’s a dual-threat playmaker who, despite some ups and downs in Arizona, has shown the kind of talent that can change an offense overnight.
That could translate to a second-round pick, possibly more, depending on how the market shakes out.
The Jets and Dolphins both make sense as potential landing spots. For New York, the 2025 season was a reminder of how fragile their quarterback situation can be.
Injuries and inconsistency derailed what was supposed to be a competitive year. Adding a proven starter like Murray could stabilize the position and give the Jets the kind of offensive spark they’ve been missing.
Miami, meanwhile, faces a different kind of uncertainty. Tua Tagovailoa has shown flashes of brilliance, but questions about long-term durability and consistency remain. If the Dolphins decide they need a more dynamic option at quarterback, Murray’s skill set would fit well with Mike McDaniel’s creative offense.
It’s worth noting that trades during Super Bowl week are rare - but not unheard of. Back in 2019, the Chiefs pulled the trigger on a deal that sent Alex Smith to Washington during Super Bowl week. So while the focus right now is on the big game, don’t be surprised if front offices are quietly working the phones behind the scenes.
With the clock ticking toward that March 15 deadline, we could be looking at one of the first major dominoes of the offseason. And if Kyler Murray is indeed on the move, the AFC East might be the first place to look.