The Arizona Cardinals have a new head coach, but recent reports indicate the new leadership will still look to trade quarterback Kyler Murray. The first-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Murray found early success and even guided the team to the playoffs in 2021. However, he hasn’t looked the same since suffering a torn ACL in 2022, and while he’s still a starting-caliber quarterback, his mediocre level of play simply cannot justify his $52.7 million cap hit.
Even with an offensive-minded head coach in Mike LaFleur, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the team is “likely to move on” from Kyler Murray, with a trade being the most likely outcome. While nobody will surrender a first-round pick for his services and the Cardinals will likely need to eat some money to facilitate a trade, there are plenty of quarterback-needy teams who could take a shot on the veteran.
REPORT: Cardinals “Likely to Move On” From Kyler Murray; 3 Destinations Possible
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have a championship-caliber team hindered by the worst quarterback play in the NFL. J.J. McCarthy had a disastrous 2025 in what was effectively his rookie season, and undrafted free agent Max Brosmer played at a Nathan Peterman level. The Vikings need to do something to address the quarterback position, especially after watching Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold have success away from Minnesota. Kyler Murray may not be a superstar, but the popular trade target would be a considerable upgrade on McCarthy. If he can even recapture his 2024 form, that should be enough to get Minnesota to the playoffs.
Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders made the Pro Bowl, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be the Week 1 starter next year. Despite earning the accolade, the fifth-round rookie played like, well, a fifth-round rookie throughout the 2025 season. First-year head coach Todd Monken will want a more proven option, and a Kyler Murray trade would make perfect sense for both sides. Adding Murray means that the Browns could use the sixth-overall pick on an elite non-quarterback and bolster a roster that desperately needs high-end talent.
New York Jets
The New York Jets decided to run it back with head coach Aaron Glenn, but the former defensive coordinator probably won’t earn a third year at the helm if he cannot start winning games. The Jets were a disaster last year, and fixing this team starts with finding a competent answer at quarterback. Justin Fields couldn’t get it done, but Kyler Murray might have more success in this environment. With no quarterback worthy of the second-overall pick, the Jets might as well see what happens with another veteran.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images
