The Arizona Cardinals recently informed former first-overall pick Kyler Murray that they plan to release him on the first day of the new league year (via Adam Schefter). It was an up-and-down seven-year tenure for Murray in Arizona. The former Heisman winner won ROTY and made two Pro Bowls early on, but has been inconsistent and plagued by injuries since then. That, combined with questions about leadership and commitment, ultimately led to the Cardinals’ decision to move on.
A handful of teams have emerged as a potential landing spot for Murray. The New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins are all looking for a new signal-caller in 2026. There is also another team in the running that is very intriguing, the Los Angeles Rams. Murray would have to sit behind Matthew Stafford for a season if that were to be the landing spot, but that could be exactly what is needed.
Being handed the keys to the franchise as a rookie is difficult, especially for a first-overall pick. It often results in a young quarterback landing in an unfavorable situation with the expectation of reviving the franchise. No one can relate to this feeling more than Stafford, who took over a winless Detroit Lions team in 2009. Learning under a veteran who has seen the highest highs and the lowest lows could be beneficial for Murray, as it may help him grow as a leader and professional.
There is also, of course, head coach Sean McVay, who is arguably the best coach in the league outside of Andy Reid. McVay has eight winning seasons in his nine years with the Rams, including two Super Bowl appearances and one victory in 2021. A stable coach and organization would be a nice change for Murray. Being able to throw to an All-Pro in Puka Nacua obviously would not hurt either.
Over the past few seasons, there have been a handful of QBs who have gone from a “bust” to legit NFL starting QBs. Some of those names include Baker Mayfield, Daniel Jones, and now Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold. In Mayfield’s case, he even played scout team edge rusher for the Carolina Panthers in 2022 before ironically moving on to the Rams that same season. Mayfield credits that time in Los Angeles for helping him revive his career.
That once again proves how much the surroundings matter. A quarterback can have all the physical tools and talent, but if the coaching staff and front office are in shambles, it does not matter. The three signal callers listed above began with the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and New York Jets, respectively.
The Giants have not been right for about a decade, and the Browns and Jets essentially have never had it together. The same is true to an extent for the Cardinals, so Murray is not entirely to blame for the struggles in Arizona.
If Murray is willing to sign with the Rams and wait a year, assuming Stafford retires after next season, it would also mean remaining in the NFC West. That would obviously give him a shot to face the Cardinals at least twice a year. Being released, especially as a former first-overall pick, should be enough motivation, but the chance to stick it to your former team should add fuel to the fire. Murray has a lot to prove going forward, not only to himself but to the team that has ultimately decided to give up on him.
Murray is only 28 years old, so he has plenty of time for a turnaround. The competitor in him will want to get back on the field right away, but finding the correct fit is more important. There is potentially an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone if the Vikings call. Kevin O’Connell is a great offensive-minded coach who comes from that McVay coaching tree. Minnesota also has a myriad of weapons on offense, led by All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Outside of that, Murray probably runs the risk of ending up in another unfavorable situation. The Jets and Dolphins have numerous issues, and probably would not help Murray grow as an NFL QB. Pittsburgh would provide stability, as one of the model franchises in the league, but in terms of developing a quarterback, it has not happened since Ben Roethlisberger.
Murray has the talent to become a franchise QB, but he has to lock in on and off the field. While the Cardinals organization is much to blame for the failures, there is a reason Murray’s 2022 extension initially included an independent study clause. Perhaps being able to sit, learn, and reflect will ultimately allow him to take that next step forward in his career.
Signing with the Rams and having guidance from McVay and Stafford probably gives Murray the best shot at maximizing his potential. Even if Stafford decides to return in 2027, Murray could potentially take the knowledge and experience he gains from the Rams to his next stop.
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