If there’s a theme running through the quarterback rooms in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Minnesota right now, it’s one word: uncertainty. Each team is staring down major questions at the most important position in football, and with the offseason heating up, the Arizona Cardinals’ situation with Kyler Murray could be a domino worth watching.
Let’s start in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers are in limbo. The Aaron Rodgers situation still looms large - and until there’s clarity there, the rest of the QB room feels like a placeholder.
Will Howard and Mason Rudolph are under contract, but neither has shown enough to be considered a long-term answer. If Rodgers decides not to return, the Steelers will be staring at a depth chart that lacks a clear-cut starter, let alone a franchise guy.
Over in Cleveland, the Browns are navigating a new era under head coach Todd Monken. The quarterback battle is expected to come down to Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, but with a new system being installed, don’t be shocked if Monken and the front office decide to pivot.
Watson’s trajectory has been anything but steady, and Sanders, while talented, is still unproven at the NFL level. It’s a situation ripe for change.
Minnesota’s quarterback picture is a little different - but no less murky. J.J.
McCarthy is the presumed future, but the Vikings are reportedly looking to add a veteran presence, and not just as a mentor. According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, there’s a real chance the team could bring in a seasoned starter who could push - or even replace - McCarthy if things don’t click early.
That brings us to Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cardinals are expected to explore trade options for Murray this offseason.
But there’s a catch - or, more accurately, several. Financial hurdles could make any deal tricky.
Murray’s contract isn’t exactly team-friendly, and any team acquiring him would have to navigate a complex cap situation.
Still, the interest is understandable. Despite a rocky 2025 season - one that ended with Murray landing on injured reserve and nearly being benched for Jacoby Brissett - he remains an above-average quarterback with proven playmaking ability.
He’s just 28 years old, and his contract doesn’t carry any guaranteed money beyond this season. That makes him a rare commodity: a former No. 1 overall pick who comes with upside but without a long-term financial commitment.
So who might take the plunge?
The Steelers make a lot of sense. They’re built to win now with a veteran-heavy roster, and if Rodgers doesn’t return, there’s a clear path for Murray to step in and take the reins.
Pittsburgh’s defense is still elite, and the offensive line has improved. Add a mobile, creative quarterback like Murray to the mix, and suddenly the Steelers could be right back in the AFC mix.
Minnesota could be a dark horse. The Vikings have a playoff-caliber roster and might not want to wait on McCarthy’s development if there’s a more experienced option available.
If they decide to make a move, Murray’s skill set would mesh well with their offensive weapons. The question is whether they’re ready to move on from a top-10 pick this quickly - or if they see Murray as a potential bridge.
And then there’s Cleveland. While it’s tempting to throw the Browns into every quarterback conversation, this one feels like a stretch.
The team is still in the early stages of a rebuild, and giving up draft capital for Murray doesn’t align with that timeline. Unless Monken sees something he can build around long-term, it’s hard to imagine Cleveland making that kind of leap.
Bottom line: Kyler Murray’s future is one of the biggest storylines to watch this offseason. He’s a high-upside, low-commitment option for teams in quarterback limbo - and right now, there are more than a few of those. Whether it’s Pittsburgh, Minnesota, or someone else entirely, don’t be surprised if Murray’s name is the one that shakes up the quarterback carousel in the coming months.