Which teams could pursue Kyler Murray? 5 potential landing spots for the former No. 1 pick
The move was largely expected. But it could have ramifications for quarterback-needy teams around the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals plan to release quarterback Kyler Murray next Wednesday on the first day of the league year, sources confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday.
Why are the Cardinals set to part ways with the 28-year-old? Despite being named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, Murray never quite lived up to expectations during his seven seasons in Arizona. He made two Pro Bowls, but he was just 38-48-1 as a starter. He played in just one playoff game — a 34-11 loss to the Rams in January 2022. Last season, Murray played in only five games due to a foot injury.
There were also financial considerations. Arizona already guaranteed Murray $36.8 million next season. Another $19.5 million of his 2027 salary would have become guaranteed on March 15 had Murray remained on the team’s roster.
But that doesn’t mean there won’t be other teams interested in the former No. 1 pick from Oklahoma. It seems likely that at least five franchises could have serious interest in Murray (presuming Aaron Rodgers returns to play for the Steelers). Where will he end up? We let our beat writers make a case for their team.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta definitely needs a quarterback (or two). The Falcons still don’t know if Michael Penix Jr. will be ready to play by Week 1, and he will be the only quarterback under contract once Kirk Cousins is released next week.
The third-year pro suffered a torn ACL on Nov. 16 of last year, and while new general manager Ian Cunningham has said Penix’s rehabilitation is on track, that track can vary from nine to 12 months. A nine-month recovery would have Penix ready for the season opener, but he still would have missed most or all of the team’s offseason and preseason work, which will hamper his ability to digest first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system.
Murray’s price tag for the 2026 season is low enough that he’d be a great insurance policy financially, but the Falcons’ situation is more complicated than that. Penix’s first two seasons were a bit of a roller coaster, and the No. 8 pick in 2024 has only won four of his 12 professional starts. Bringing in a player of Murray’s caliber could signal to him that Stefanski, Cunningham and new president of football Matt Ryan are skeptical about his long-term development. — Josh Kendall, Falcons reporter
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are at least exploring their quarterback options. And they’re probably value shopping, which makes Murray a potential target given that he’s going to play on something close to a minimum contract in 2026. But Murray is probably looking for a clear-cut starting role as he tries to revive his career, and other spots might offer both a better supporting cast and a more defined role at this early stage of the offseason.
The Browns have a developmental option in Shedeur Sanders, a last-resort option in Deshaun Watson and several different ways the rest of the situation might go depending on what new coach Todd Monken thinks — and Monken is keeping his true thoughts and evaluations to himself. The Browns almost certainly have discussed Murray and might have further conversations, but it’s hard to imagine an immediate marriage between the sides. — Zac Jackson, Browns reporter
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins make a ton of sense for Murray, almost entirely for financial reasons. They’re in a disastrous salary-cap situation because of Tua Tagovailoa’s contract, and they’ve already been shedding payroll just to field a roster. The Dolphins will struggle to be competitive next season, so they’d be far better off with a veteran quarterback who could handle the adversity, rather than an inexperienced player who’d be more likely to crumble.
The Vikings and Falcons have better rosters and offensive-minded head coaches, so the Dolphins can’t really compete with that. But whether it’s LeBron James, Lionel Messi or so many others, there’s a long history of big-name athletes being enticed by the South Beach spotlight and lifestyle. No suitor would offer anything comparable to Miami.
It might just be for a one-year rental, as the Dolphins should be poised to pounce on the 2027 QB draft class. But maybe Murray unlocks the upper-end talent he’s flashed — too inconsistently — with the desperation of his career being in the balance. And on the chance they prove to be a good fit, Miami could be a really fun spot for Murray’s second act. — Jeff Howe, national insider
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are expected to have serious discussions this week about Murray. But he has already been on their radar. They’re in the market for an experienced, productive and reliable starter who isn’t going to break the bank. Murray addresses a lot of those issues.
In Minnesota’s eyes, Murray’s raw talent is undeniable. He throws accurately. He is a playmaker. It’s easy to envision Murray operating many of the Vikings’ boot concepts, allowing him to get out on the run and focus on one area of the field. Murray’s interest in Minnesota makes sense, too. Coach Kevin O’Connell has worked well with veteran quarterbacks, and superstar receiver Justin Jefferson offers an outlet that Murray hasn’t had.
There are at least two major questions, though: Would the Vikings prefer more of a system fit with a player like Geno Smith, if he’s released by the Raiders? And what would Murray’s presence mean for 23-year-old quarterback J.J. McCarthy? The Vikings love to throw the football over the middle. That’s not Murray’s biggest strength. The Vikings have also wanted to thread the needle of finding a quarterback who keeps McCarthy’s development door open, but Murray would almost certainly receive the starting job upon arrival.
The Vikings brass will be talking through these dynamics this week. Murray, though, is a viable option. — Alec Lewis, Vikings reporter
New York Jets
The Jets will absolutely explore the idea of adding Murray as their quarterback — and I can tell you with certainty that they were already having discussions about it in Indianapolis last week. There are obviously a lot of knocks against him — size, durability, reputation — and he’s not the kind of quarterback offensive coordinator Frank Reich usually prefers.
But relative to the other options on the table, I’m not sure they could do much better — especially considering he’ll cost next to nothing financially, giving the Jets leeway to use their draft capital and cap space to replenish the roster.
Coach Aaron Glenn has a relationship with Murray’s father — they both played at Texas A&M, though not at the same time — and has typically preferred quarterbacks with mobility. The Jets’ supporting cast on offense isn’t bad either: a solid offensive line, a No. 1 wide receiver (Garrett Wilson) and a talented running back (Breece Hall). — Zack Rosenblatt, Jets reporter
