Murray on the move: Which team will take a chance on former No. 1 pick?
Kyler Murray's time in Arizona seems to be over, as the Cardinals reportedly informed the quarterback that they'll release him on the first day of the league year unless they find a trade partner before then.
The Cardinals selected Murray first overall in the 2019 draft. He led them to just to one playoff appearance (during the 2021 campaign) before injuries began to mount and derail his performance. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year started 11 or fewer games in three of his last four seasons.
However, the quarterback market is extremely thin this offseason, and teams in need of a signal-caller will be eager to offer Murray a contract despite his uncertainties.
Odds for Murray's next team
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jets | +100 |
| Vikings | +190 |
| Dolphins | +350 |
| Falcons | +500 |
| Browns | +500 |
| Colts | +900 |
| Steelers | +1200 |
| Panthers | +4000 |
| Bengals | +4000 |
| Lions | +4000 |
| Raiders | +4000 |
New York Jets (+100)
The Jets are the favorites to sign Murray, who's expected to ink a contract at or near the league minimum (one year, $1.3 million). Murray's situation is similar to the one Russell Wilson faced in 2024, when he signed with the Steelers for $1.2 million after being cut by the Broncos.
New York started three different quarterbacks last season - Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Brady Cook - yet missed out on the opportunity to draft Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. The Jets have since been linked to Alabama's Ty Simpson, who should be available when they select early in the second round. Alternatively, they may look to next year's loaded quarterback class, headlined by Arch Manning, and attempt to land another top pick in 2027.
But Murray, who turns 29 in August, would provide the team with upside at the position that it hasn't seen since drafting Sam Darnold in 2018. And New York would be a solid place for Murray to restart his career, even with its abysmal track record at quarterback. He'd be an immediate starter with a No. 1 option in Garrett Wilson, and any positive results would lead to a longer - and more valuable - contract next offseason.
Minnesota Vikings (+190)
In 2024, the Vikings won 14 games with Darnold under center, but they opted to let him walk in free agency and turned the keys over to J.J. McCarthy. Now, Minnesota sits in quarterback purgatory following McCarthy's disappointing debut season.
The team has the bargaining chip of Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver whom every quarterback in the league would love to play with. That alone may be enough to lure Murray to Minnesota, even if he has to compete with McCarthy for the starting job. Prior to last season, head coach Kevin O'Connell was considered the quarterback whisperer for elevating the play of Darnold, Joshua Dobbs, and Nick Mullens in recent seasons. The Vikings may not provide Murray the easiest path toward regaining top-tier quarterback status, but the risk could pay off handsomely for both parties.
Miami Dolphins (+350)
Tua Tagovailoa remains on the Dolphins' roster, but they're expected to soon cut ties with him and eat the money left on his contract. That opens the door for Murray to sign with Miami, which doesn't have anyone else who can compete for the starting job.
Offensive guru Mike McDaniel has left town, making this landing spot a little less attractive than it was in previous years. However, the team still has Jaylen Waddle and De'Von Achane, two explosive players who could certainly help Murray regain his form.
The Dolphins hold the 11th and 43rd picks in this year's draft, so they may take a shot on Simpson as well if they don't view Murray as a long-term solution.
Atlanta Falcons (+500)
The Falcons may already be turning the page on former eighth overall selection Michael Penix Jr., who tore his ACL in November in what was the third major injury to his right knee. Meanwhile, Atlanta announced in February that it will release Kirk Cousins at the start of the new league year, leaving its quarterback room barren.
Murray could fit seamlessly into a Falcons offense that has weapons at every position, including the exceptional trio of Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts (assuming he isn't traded). The addition of Murray would make Atlanta an immediate playoff threat in a weak NFC South.
Cleveland Browns (+500)
The Browns have been searching for a signal-caller for longer than Murray has been alive. They've had 13 different starting quarterbacks since 2021 alone.
Cleveland selected two quarterbacks in last year's draft - Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel - but neither wowed during their rookie campaigns. Sanders is in line to be the Week 1 starter this fall, but that won't inspire much confidence among Browns fans.
Murray may fit well in Cleveland, which hired Todd Monken as its new head coach in January. Monken has plenty of experience working with quarterbacks who often use their legs after spending three years alongside Lamar Jackson as the Ravens' offensive coordinator.
The Browns may not have the sexiest group of offensive players among the quarterback-needy teams, but they do have the best defense by far. Murray would only need to generate modest production to make them a playoff contender.
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