When the Arizona Cardinals made Kyler Murray the top overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, there was hope the organization had finally found the franchise QB they longed for. When he went to the Pro Bowl the following two seasons, it sure looked like they were right. Then everything went downhill.
Over the last four years, the 28-year-old has had serious trouble staying on the field, and when healthy, he has not been as effective as he was in his first few seasons. It seems that the Cards have grown tired of the issues, and Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports the team “could try to trade him or simply release him” after the season.
If Kyler Murray ends up on the trade or free agent market this offseason, let’s look at six teams that could try to add him in 2026.
New York Jets
The New York Jets hoped that Justin Fields could be the answer at QB for the next few seasons. Instead, he has been a massive disappointment. He won’t be starting next season. NY will be near the back of the top-10 in the NFL Draft and could go defense to fill the holes left by the Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams trades. Making Murray a logical target this spring, especially if he hits free agency.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings boldly decided to move on from Sam Darnold and gave 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy the starting job. It was a terrible decision, and the former Michigan QB is looking like a draft bust. Minnesota has too much talent and is a good signal caller away from being a Super Bowl contender. It would be a risk, but trading for Murray feels like a risk the Vikings should take.
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams great Matthew Stafford is having another big season. However, he will turn 38 in a couple of months, and his back is a ticking time bomb. Murray could flourish under the guidance of head coach Sean McVay and weapons like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams. Signing Murray as a high-level backup to Stafford would be intriguing. The big question is, would Murray accept that role?
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers will probably be looking for a new QB in 2026. And even if Aaron Rodgers sticks around for another season, they need an elite backup for when the eventual injuries arise. Considering how well Fields played at times last season in the Steel City, there is a real chance that the Steelers could turn Murray’s career around. Which would give them a long-term QB option with Pro Bowl potential.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have a messy QB situation. Big-time 2024 free agent addition Kirk Cousins has been a disaster. And 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix is just as injury-prone as he was in college. They will likely move on from Cousins this offseason. Sending him out, replacing him with Murray, and offering a chance to compete for the starting QB job makes sense for both sides.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers like bringing in a project QB, young or experienced, to get themselves good backups and see if they can develop or rebuild their potential. That is why adding Murray in the spring is a possibility for San Francisco. With Brock Purdy developing a bit of a reputation for getting hurt, having a backup with Pro Bowl attention wouldn’t be a bad idea for the team in 2026.
