GLENDALE – When the Arizona Cardinals officially move on from Kyler Murray at the start of the new league year next week, it will close one of the most polarizing chapters in recent franchise history. Former No. 1 overall picks rarely reach the open market in their prime. When they do, it forces two questions: what went wrong, and who believes they can fix it?
Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray (1) walks off the field after their 23-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 25, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Murray’s tenure in Arizona flashed brilliance. At his peak, he produced top-tier efficiency numbers in play-action, extended drives with off-script creativity, and helped engineer a playoff appearance in a hyper-competitive NFC West. But durability concerns, offensive inconsistency, and a franchise in transition created diminishing returns. Arizona’s reset is strategic with financial flexibility, cultural recalibration, and alignment with a new timeline. Now the focus shifts outward to where his next landing spot may be.
Top three landing spots for Kyler Murray:
Kyler Murray and Geno Smith are strong considerations for Vikings at QB, with Tua Tagovailoa and Kirk Cousins on the radar as well.
That and much much in our Scouting Combine notebook.
With @DanGrazianoESPN: https://t.co/GAO1KwPY0t pic.twitter.com/QOqysYIekd
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 1, 2026
Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Arizona quarterback Murray (1) passes against the Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings loom as the most football-logical fit. Pairing Murray with Justin Jefferson in a structured offense offers stability, playmakers, and a competitive NFC path. It’s the cleanest reboot scenario. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said that Murray is a strong consideration for the new Vikings QB position.
Should the #Jets want Kyler Murray, @BartScott57 & Chris are both on board!
“If the Jets have Kyler Murray as their QB next year, they are infinitely better! If the Jets get Murray, Aaron Glenn ain’t getting fired next year!” @ChrisCarlin @ESPNNewYork pic.twitter.com/YxapCfUxcT
— Bart & Carlin (@BartAndCarlin) February 3, 2026
The Big Apple is waiting for ya, Kyler pic.twitter.com/KHDSx2gOUR
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) March 3, 2026
Arizona quarterback Murray (1) runs for a touchdown ahead of New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 10, 2024. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The New York Jets represent volatility. The roster has talent, but instability has defined recent quarterback experiments. Murray would elevate the ceiling, but inherit the scrutiny. He has been linked to the Jets in the past as well, though it may not be the best fit for Murray. Bart Scott and Chris Carlin from 880AM ESPN New York think Murray would instantly make the Jets a better team.
Let’s Get Kyler Murray on the Pittsburgh Steelers 👀 pic.twitter.com/DBpc31Qs6Y
— Underdog NFL Draft – Josh & Hayden (@UDFootballShow) February 22, 2026
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) escapes the pass rush of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Then there’s Pittsburgh. With a new era underway post–Mike Tomlin, the Steelers could view Murray as a bridge to modernizing their offense. The fan base is already vocal, and the brand fit is intriguing. Underdog’s NFL Draft believes Murray would fit in with the Steelers.
the burgh is calling pic.twitter.com/4VjScQSMH9
— Lacy (@LacyHimself) March 3, 2026
Strategically, this decision shapes more than depth charts. It reframes how franchises evaluate dual-threat quarterbacks long-term. For Cardinals fans, releasing Kyler Murray was about accountability and direction. For the rest of the league, it’s about belief.
Arizona Cardinals fans react on social media to Kyler Murray getting released
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
