The New York Jets are once again staring down a familiar offseason dilemma: they need a quarterback. After the Justin Fields experiment flamed out in 2025, the team is back to square one.
Fields, once a highly-touted first-round pick, was brought in to stabilize the position but struggled mightily, eventually landing on the bench. Now, with expectations pointing toward his release this offseason, the Jets are searching for answers - again.
Meanwhile, out in Arizona, Kyler Murray’s time with the Cardinals appears to be nearing its end. The former No. 1 overall pick endured a frustrating 2025 season, hampered by a foot injury and nearly benched in favor of veteran Jacoby Brissett before ultimately landing on injured reserve. The writing seems to be on the wall: Murray is likely on the move, and his next stop could very well be New York.
There’s a scenario that’s gaining traction - one where the Cardinals and Jets help solve each other’s quarterback issues. The idea?
New York trades down from the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, landing at No. 3 while acquiring Kyler Murray and picking up additional draft capital in the process. It’s the kind of move that would give both teams a fresh start at football’s most important position.
For the Jets, this would mean handing the offense over to Murray and giving new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand a dual-threat quarterback to work with. With playmakers like Garrett Wilson and Mason Taylor already in the building, there’s reason to believe Murray could find some rhythm in a new system. At the very least, he’d be an upgrade over Fields - more dynamic, more experienced, and more capable of keeping defenses honest with his legs.
There’s also a strategic angle to this. Murray’s contract, while hefty, doesn’t carry any guaranteed money beyond this upcoming season.
That gives the Jets an out in 2027 if things don’t click. In the meantime, they’d still hold three first-round picks in the 2027 draft - a safety net if they need to go quarterback hunting again next year.
This plan gained more traction after Oregon’s Dante Moore opted to return to school. With Moore staying in college and Fernando Mendoza also not declaring, the Jets’ No. 2 pick suddenly became a tougher spot to navigate. There’s no clear-cut quarterback prospect worthy of that selection, which makes the idea of trading down and grabbing a veteran like Murray more appealing.
Of course, this isn’t without risk. Murray’s talent has never been in question - he’s a two-time Pro Bowler with the kind of arm and mobility that can change games.
But questions about his work ethic have followed him throughout his career, and if those concerns resurface in New York, it could lead to friction with new head coach Aaron Glenn. Glenn is a no-nonsense leader, and a clash of personalities could derail the whole plan before it ever gets off the ground.
Still, for a team that’s been stuck in quarterback purgatory for years, the Jets may decide it’s a gamble worth taking. Murray offers more upside than any bridge option currently on the market, and if the cost in draft capital is reduced because of his contract, it could be a calculated risk with a potentially high reward.
The Jets need a spark. Murray needs a fresh start.
Whether the two sides can make it work - or whether it all blows up in typical Jets fashion - remains to be seen. But in a league where quarterback play is king, standing still isn’t an option.
And right now, Kyler Murray might just be the bold move New York is willing to make.