Jets, Steelers, Vikings trade battle for Kyler Murray may have an unexpectedly low trade price

Kyler Murray's contract is pricy.

But his actual cost in a trade away from the Arizona Cardinals? It may not be as much as many would expect.

That'd be good news if there's any team out there who really needs a QB this offseason.

CBS Sports writer Tyler Sullivan pitches four teams that could be in that conceptual running for Murray: the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins.

Sullivan speculates it'd only take one second-round pick to Arizona to acquire Murray, the former No. 1 overall pick.

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A deal might also come soon.

"As CBS Sports' Joel Corry notes, Murray's situation will need to come to a head before March 15th (the fifth day of the 2026 league year), as that's when his $19.7 million base salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed," Sullivan writes. "With that in mind, this potential trade could come together early in the offseason."

Murray certainly looks like a better option than any of the NFL Draft's QBs that aren't named Fernando Mendoza.

Sullivan compares Murray to a recent trade to get to that possible cost.

"Another factor that could drive a Murray trade is that the quarterback class at the 2026 NFL Draft isn't particularly strong, so teams may be more inclined to target a veteran like Murray," Sullivan writes. "As for a possible return, the Seahawks secured a third-round pick in exchange for Geno Smith a year ago. When healthy, Murray is a much more talented quarterback, so the Cardinals should be looking at an earlier Day 2 pick in the form of a second-rounder."

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The Jets seem likely to replace Justin Fields this offseason, with free agent Malik Willis another option.

The Steelers could have an opening, depending on what Aaron Rodgers does.

The Vikings likely don't want to rely too heavily on J.J. McCarthy going forward.

And the Dolphins find themselves in a somewhat similar situation to the Cardinals, with Tua Tagovailoa their QB with a big contract who doesn't look like the future of the franchise anymore.

It could be an active offseason for rumors about Murray, that's for sure.

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