Kyler Murray's time in Arizona may be nearing its end-and if that’s the case, there’s no shortage of quarterback-needy teams that could pick up the phone.
The former No. 1 overall pick is coming off a difficult 2025 season, one that saw him appear in just five games due to a foot injury. The Cardinals went 2-3 in those starts, and with a new head coach in place and a potential rebuild on the horizon, Arizona could be looking to turn the page at quarterback. That would put Murray, still just 28, squarely on the trade market.
If that happens, keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets-all teams with unsettled quarterback situations and playoff aspirations.
Let’s start with Pittsburgh. The Steelers have shown they're not afraid to shake things up under center, and if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire, they’ll be back in the market.
Murray would bring a different dynamic-more mobility, more improvisation-but also more risk, especially with his injury history. Still, for a team that’s been trying to find long-term stability at the position, Murray could offer a high-upside solution if they believe he can stay on the field.
Minnesota's situation is a bit different. The Vikings invested a top-10 pick in J.J.
McCarthy last year, but they’re reportedly looking to bring in veteran competition this offseason. If they decide McCarthy isn’t quite ready-or isn’t the guy-Murray could be more than just competition.
He could be the new face of the franchise. That said, it’s a bold move to pivot from a recent first-rounder to a former No. 1 pick with a hefty contract and a recent injury track record.
And that contract is no small detail. Murray’s $230 million deal looms large, and it’s the kind of financial commitment that could give both the Steelers and Vikings pause. If they balk, that opens the door for other teams-namely the Dolphins and Jets.
Miami appears to be heading toward a breakup with Tua Tagovailoa, and New York seems to be moving on from Justin Fields. Both teams could use a fresh start at quarterback, and Murray fits the bill.
But here’s the catch: neither roster is currently built to maximize what Murray brings to the table. He thrives in a system that gives him time, space, and weapons.
Right now, the Dolphins and Jets are still trying to piece those elements together.
As for what it would take to land Murray? The buzz suggests a second-round pick could get it done. That’s a manageable price for a player with Murray’s ceiling-especially if a team believes he just needs a new environment to get back to his Pro Bowl form.
Bottom line: a split between Murray and the Cardinals feels like it’s in the cards. Arizona looks ready to move on, and Murray could benefit from a fresh start. The question now is which team is ready to take the gamble-and whether they believe the former top pick still has franchise-quarterback potential left in the tank.