The transfer was largely anticipated. But it could have ramifications for quarterback-needy teams round the NFL.
The Arizona Cardinals plan to release quarterback Kyler Murray subsequent Wednesday on the first day of the league 12 months, sources confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday.
Why are the Cardinals set to half methods with the 28-year-old? Despite being named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, Murray by no means fairly lived as much as expectations throughout his seven seasons in Arizona. He made two Pro Bowls, however he was simply 38-48-1 as a starter. He performed in only one playoff sport — a 34-11 loss to the Rams in January 2022. Last season, Murray performed in solely 5 video games because of a foot harm.
There have been additionally monetary concerns. Arizona already assured Murray $36.8 million subsequent season. Another $19.5 million of his 2027 wage would have change into assured on March 15 had Murray remained on the staff’s roster.
But that doesn’t imply there gained’t be different teams enthusiastic about the former No. 1 pick from Oklahoma. It appears doubtless that a minimum of 5 franchises could have critical curiosity in Murray (presuming Aaron Rodgers returns to play for the Steelers). Where will he find yourself? We let our beat writers make a case for their staff.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta undoubtedly wants a quarterback (or two). The Falcons nonetheless don’t know if Michael Penix Jr. will likely be able to play by Week 1, and he will likely be the solely quarterback underneath contract as soon as Kirk Cousins is released subsequent week.
The third-year professional suffered a torn ACL on Nov. 16 of final 12 months, and whereas new basic supervisor Ian Cunningham has stated Penix’s rehabilitation is on monitor, that monitor can differ from 9 to 12 months. A nine-month restoration would have Penix prepared for the season opener, however he nonetheless would have missed most or all of the staff’s offseason and preseason work, which is able to hamper his skill to digest first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system.
Murray’s price ticket for the 2026 season is low sufficient that he’d be an excellent insurance coverage coverage financially, however the Falcons’ state of affairs is extra difficult than that. Penix’s first two seasons have been a little bit of a curler coaster, and the No. 8 pick in 2024 has solely gained 4 of his 12 skilled begins. Bringing in a participant of Murray’s caliber could sign to him that Stefanski, Cunningham and new president of soccer Matt Ryan are skeptical about his long-term growth. — Josh Kendall, Falcons reporter
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are a minimum of exploring their quarterback choices. And they’re in all probability worth purchasing, which makes Murray a potential goal on condition that he’s going to play on one thing near a minimal contract in 2026. But Murray might be trying for a clear-cut beginning position as he tries to revive his profession, and different spots would possibly provide each a greater supporting solid and a extra outlined position at this early stage of the offseason.
The Browns have a developmental possibility in Shedeur Sanders, a last-resort possibility in Deshaun Watson and a number of other other ways the remainder of the state of affairs would possibly go relying on what new coach Todd Monken thinks — and Monken is retaining his true ideas and evaluations to himself. The Browns nearly actually have mentioned Murray and may need additional conversations, nevertheless it’s laborious to think about a right away marriage between the sides. — Zac Jackson, Browns reporter
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins make a ton of sense for Murray, nearly totally for monetary causes. They’re in a disastrous salary-cap state of affairs due to Tua Tagovailoa’s contract, they usually’ve already been shedding payroll simply to discipline a roster. The Dolphins will wrestle to be aggressive subsequent season, so that they’d be much better off with a veteran quarterback who could deal with the adversity, reasonably than an inexperienced participant who’d be extra prone to crumble.
The Vikings and Falcons have higher rosters and offensive-minded head coaches, so the Dolphins can’t actually compete with that. But whether or not it’s LeBron James, Lionel Messi or so many others, there’s a protracted historical past of big-name athletes being enticed by the South Beach highlight and way of life. No suitor would provide something similar to Miami.
It would possibly simply be for a one-year rental, as the Dolphins needs to be poised to pounce on the 2027 QB draft class. But perhaps Murray unlocks the upper-end expertise he’s flashed — too inconsistently — with the desperation of his profession being in the stability. And on the likelihood they show to be an excellent match, Miami could be a extremely enjoyable spot for Murray’s second act. — Jeff Howe, nationwide insider
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are anticipated to have critical discussions this week about Murray. But he has already been on their radar. They’re in the market for an skilled, productive and dependable starter who isn’t going to interrupt the financial institution. Murray addresses lots of these points.
In Minnesota’s eyes, Murray’s uncooked expertise is plain. He throws precisely. He is a playmaker. It’s straightforward to examine Murray working a lot of the Vikings’ boot ideas, permitting him to get out on the run and concentrate on one space of the discipline. Murray’s curiosity in Minnesota is sensible, too. Coach Kevin O’Connell has labored nicely with veteran quarterbacks, and famous person receiver Justin Jefferson provides an outlet that Murray hasn’t had.
There are a minimum of two main questions, although: (*1*) with a participant like Geno Smith, if he’s launched by the Raiders? And what would Murray’s presence imply for 23-year-old quarterback J.J. McCarthy? The Vikings like to throw the soccer over the center. That’s not Murray’s largest energy. The Vikings have additionally wished to string the needle of discovering a quarterback who retains McCarthy’s growth door open, however Murray would nearly actually obtain the beginning job upon arrival.
The Vikings brass will likely be speaking via these dynamics this week. Murray, although, is a viable possibility. — Alec Lewis, Vikings reporter
New York Jets
The Jets will completely discover the concept of including Murray as their quarterback — and I can let you know with certainty that they have been already having discussions about it in Indianapolis final week. There are clearly lots of knocks in opposition to him — measurement, sturdiness, popularity — and he’s not the form of quarterback offensive coordinator Frank Reich normally prefers.
But relative to the different choices on the desk, I’m unsure they could do a lot better — particularly contemplating he’ll value subsequent to nothing financially, giving the Jets leeway to make use of their draft capital and cap area to replenish the roster.
Coach Aaron Glenn has a relationship with Murray’s father — they each performed at Texas A&M, although not at the identical time — and has usually most well-liked quarterbacks with mobility. The Jets’ supporting solid on offense isn’t unhealthy both: a stable offensive line, a No. 1 extensive receiver (Garrett Wilson) and a gifted working again (Breece Hall). — Zack Rosenblatt, Jets reporter
