Kyler Murray’s contract might raise eyebrows - it’s hefty, no doubt - but the actual price to acquire him in a trade? That might be surprisingly manageable. And with quarterback-needy teams lining up across the league, Murray’s name could be one of the hottest on the market this offseason.
According to recent reports, a second-round pick could be enough to pry the former No. 1 overall pick away from the Arizona Cardinals. That’s not a typo - a second-rounder for a 26-year-old quarterback with Pro Bowl talent and playoff experience. In a league where QB scarcity drives up value, that’s the kind of deal that makes front offices take notice.
But there’s a ticking clock here. The Cardinals are facing a key financial deadline: March 15th marks the fifth day of the 2026 league year, and that’s when Murray’s $19.7 million base salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed.
Translation? If Arizona’s going to move him, they’ll want to do it before that date hits.
That accelerates the timeline and could push negotiations into high gear early this offseason.
Now, why would a team take on Murray - and his contract - at this stage?
For starters, the 2026 NFL Draft doesn’t exactly boast a deep quarterback class. Outside of Fernando Mendoza, who’s widely expected to go early, there’s a significant drop-off in perceived talent. That reality could make Murray an appealing alternative for teams that don’t want to gamble on a rookie or don’t have the draft capital to move up.
There’s also precedent to consider. The Seahawks landed a third-round pick in exchange for Geno Smith just a year ago.
And while Smith has proven to be a steady hand, Murray brings a higher ceiling when healthy - more mobility, more arm talent, and a track record of dynamic playmaking. That’s why a second-round pick seems like a realistic baseline for trade talks.
So who could be in the mix?
Let’s start with the New York Jets. They’re widely expected to move on from Justin Fields, and while Malik Willis has been floated as a free-agent option, Murray would represent a clear upgrade - both in terms of experience and upside. The Jets have a roster built to win now, and a dual-threat quarterback like Murray could be the missing piece.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are another intriguing fit. Their quarterback situation remains fluid, especially with Aaron Rodgers’ future still uncertain. If the Steelers want a long-term solution rather than another short-term patch, Murray could offer the kind of stability and explosiveness that Mike Tomlin’s offense has lacked in recent years.
Over in Minnesota, the Vikings might not be sold on J.J. McCarthy as their full-time starter. If they’re looking for a more proven option to lead an offense that still has serious weapons, Murray could be a compelling target.
Then there’s the Miami Dolphins, who find themselves in a situation not all that different from Arizona’s. Tua Tagovailoa has a big contract, but questions about whether he’s truly the long-term answer continue to swirl. If the Dolphins decide to pivot, bringing in Murray could be a bold - but potentially rewarding - move.
Of course, any trade for Murray comes with risk. Injuries have been a factor, and his play has seen ups and downs. But when he’s right, Murray is one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the league - a player who can extend plays, create off-script, and keep defenses on their heels.
The Cardinals, for their part, are at a crossroads. If they’re ready to move on and reset under center, this offseason presents a window to do it. And for teams in need of a spark at quarterback, the chance to land a former top pick without giving up a king’s ransom doesn’t come around often.
Expect the Kyler Murray rumor mill to heat up - and fast.