When it comes to the New York Jets’ quarterback situation heading into 2026, one thing is clear: there’s no slam-dunk solution on the table. The options being floated-veterans like Derek Carr or Kirk Cousins-might offer some stability, but they don’t exactly move the needle when it comes to long-term upside. And for a franchise still searching for a true franchise quarterback, that matters.
Carr and Cousins are known commodities. They can run an offense, keep the team competitive, and offer a higher floor than what the Jets have had in recent years.
But at this stage in their careers-both over 30-you know what you’re getting. Solid, not spectacular.
And for a team trying to climb out of the NFL’s middle tier, that might not be enough.
That’s where Kyler Murray enters the conversation. On paper, he’s the kind of quarterback who can change a franchise’s trajectory.
He’s got the arm, the legs, and the playmaking instincts that can tilt a game in an instant. But the reality in Arizona never quite matched the potential.
Whether it was injuries, inconsistency, or questions about leadership and preparation, Murray’s time with the Cardinals has been a rollercoaster-and not always the fun kind.
So, could Murray be a realistic target for the Jets in 2026? That depends on a few things, but none more important than how new head coach Aaron Glenn views him.
And based on Glenn’s own words, that view may not be all that favorable.
Back in 2022, during an appearance on The Pivot podcast with ESPN’s Ryan Clark, Glenn reflected on one of his favorite games as a defensive coordinator: the Lions’ 2021 Week 15 win over Murray’s Cardinals. It wasn’t just a win-it was a defensive clinic. Detroit, a 2-11 team at the time, completely shut down a 10-4 Arizona squad, winning 30-12 at Ford Field.
Glenn didn’t hold back when describing how he approached Murray in that game.
“I remember the Arizona game was probably our best game of the year,” Glenn said. “Defensively, man, we went after them.
I mean, I called cover zero more than I’ve ever called in my life because, listen, Kyler, I’m finna go at you, bro. I’m just telling you.”
That’s not the kind of quote that suggests a deep respect for an opposing quarterback. And when Clark followed up with a jab about Murray’s rumored lack of film study-“Well, we know he’s not studying anyway”-Glenn didn’t exactly defend him. He just laughed and said, “No doubt… that’s a whole other subject.”
That game wasn’t just a one-off embarrassment for the Cardinals. It was a moment that exposed some of the concerns evaluators have long had about Murray.
In that matchup, he completed 23 of 41 passes for 257 yards with a touchdown and a pick. He added just three rushing yards on four carries.
For a player whose mobility is supposed to be his superpower, that’s a red flag.
The talent is undeniable. Murray can make every throw, extend plays with his legs, and when he’s on, he looks like one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league.
But the concerns-about durability, size, and work ethic-continue to hang over him. He’s missed 27 games over the last four seasons, dealing with a torn ACL, a foot injury, and, at times, what looked like a quiet benching.
For Glenn, now tasked with turning around a Jets team that’s been stuck in neutral for years, the margin for error is slim. He needs a quarterback he can trust-not just to make plays, but to lead, study, and stay on the field. And if his past comments are any indication, Murray might not check those boxes.
So while the Jets are clearly in the market for a quarterback, and while Murray’s name brings a certain level of intrigue, the fit just doesn’t seem to be there. Glenn’s defense once dismantled Murray. It’s hard to imagine he’d now want to build his offense around him.
At this point, Kyler Murray to the Jets feels more like a long shot than a legitimate option.