Kyler Murray Best Landing Spots Following Arizona Cardinals Release

The Arizona Cardinals have decided to part ways with quarterback Kyler Murray at the start of the new league year next week. M

urray, the former No. 1 overall pick, is still due the remaining $36.8 million on his contract, allowing him to play next season on a cheaper deal.

This is a move that benefits both sides. The Cardinals can now go all-in on a rebuild, and having to eat Kyler’s contract in what will be a down year isn’t too detrimental. For Murray, he can now move to a contender and be able to join a team that will put him in a far better situation than what he had for at least the last four seasons.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota appears to be the frontrunner at the moment, and it’s a very intriguing pairing. The Vikings have zero faith in JJ McCarthy, and replacing him with a former Pro Bowler could help get them back on track. Murray would immediately provide much-needed support in the run game, and at the very least, he should be able to force-feed the ball to Justin Jefferson.

Aaron Jones will also be released from Minnesota at the start of the new league year, so adding a mobile presence like Murray could help replace the veteran in the ground game. I’m not sure Murray is a perfect schematic fit for the Kevin O’Connell, West Coast offense. I’m not really sure there’s any player on the market that would be a great fit for that offense. Maybe a Mac Jones?

Pittsburgh Steelers

Speaking of places that would be a bad scheme fit for Murray, he seems like he could be the next veteran quarterback to suit up for the Steelers in 2026. Mike McCarthy isn’t taking over Pittsburgh to manage a rebuild, and right now his only option at play-caller is Will Howard and the ghost of Aaron Rodgers.

Of course, if Rodgers decides to return, he will likely be McCarthy’s guy due to their success in Green Bay, but Murray still feels like a far more exciting option. Pittsburgh hasn’t had much success on the ground since Le'Veon Bell left town, and Murray could potentially make up for the deficiencies the Steelers have up front with his ability to make things work out of structure.

DK Metcalf would be a fun pairing with Murray, and at the very least, it also feels like Murray would look extra short in a Steelers uniform, which would be funny.

New York Jets

Another team that could get into the mix is the Jets. They desperately need a new quarterback, and they might be the only team dumb enough to pay him more than a veteran minimum. Honestly, the Jets could put something kinda decent around Murray.

Garrett Wilson has been a true No. 1 receiver, catching passes from the worst quarterbacks in the NFL. Breece Hall is a legit number one running back who just received the franchise tag, and rumors have swirled around the Jets going after Makai Lemon with one of their first-round picks this year.

I’m not saying that’s a Super Bowl-winning offense, but it would be one of the more exciting cores that New York has had in years. The Jets need to spend money on their defense, but if they wanted to get aggressive and pursue Murray, they might be able to put a decent roster around him.