The New York Jets are gearing up for a new era under center in 2026, but the big question remains: who will be taking the snaps?
The Jets have a few veteran options on the table via free agency or trades, but a rookie starter seems unlikely. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza is the standout prospect, but with the Las Vegas Raiders holding the No. 1 pick and their own quarterback needs, a move seems improbable.
So, where does this leave the Jets? Could there be a savvy trade option that offers high reward with minimal risk?
Enter Kyler Murray. In an intriguing trade scenario proposed by ESPN's Bill Barnwell, the Jets could acquire Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in exchange for a late-round pick swap.
The proposed deal would see the Jets send a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Cardinals, receiving Murray and a 2026 sixth-round pick in return. This would also mean taking on the remainder of Murray's hefty five-year, $230.5 million contract signed in 2022.
"Swapping a Day 3 selection for a quarterback who ranked 14th in Total QBR over the past two years won't hurt an organization that has a ton of draft capital after the Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner trades," Barnwell notes. Jets fans are eager for a stable quarterback presence after watching Sam Darnold find success in Seattle. The team hasn't enjoyed consistent quarterback play since Josh McCown's solid performance back in 2017.
However, there's some apprehension about Murray's fit with the Jets. Despite his undeniable talent-boasting a powerful arm and top-tier athleticism-Murray has struggled to consistently put it all together on the field.
Concerns about his work ethic, particularly his dedication to film study, have been voiced by analysts and fans alike. Even Aaron Glenn, during his tenure as the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator, pointed out the issues surrounding Murray's preparation habits.
Yet, as Barnwell suggests, Murray could at least provide the Jets with the league-average quarterback play they've been missing. While he might not be the Jets' first choice, if other veteran options don't pan out, Murray could be the best available route.
The contract is certainly a significant factor, but a motivated Murray might offer more upside than any other quarterback currently on the market. For the Jets, this could be a gamble worth taking.