Jets trade idea acquires $230 million 5-foot-10 QB for trio of draft picks

The New York Jets have a major quarterback need to address this offseason. While they could turn to a rookie in the 2026 draft class, Fernando Mendoza is the only first-round talent, and the Jets might not want to take Ty Simpson, who's more of a project.

With Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey likely on the hot seat already, they need to land a veteran who can win games right away. Fortunately, there is a QB who'd be a fun addition for the Jets this offseason.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report proposed a trade idea that would have the Jets acquire a $230 million, 5-foot-10 QB from the Arizona Cardinals in Kyler Murray. This idea from Ballentine would cost three draft picks in a likely overpay.

Jets proposed to trade three picks for Kyler Murray

"Jets Receive: QB Kyler Murray. Cardinals Receive: 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 103), 2026 fifth-round pick (No. 178), 2027 conditional third-round pick (becomes a second with snaps incentive)," Ballentine proposed.

Ballentine's proposal would have the Jets send a fourth and a fifth in the 2026 NFL Draft, along with a third-rounder that could elevate to a second-rounder in the 2027 NFL Draft based on playing time.

That's a lot of capital for Murray, who is in the middle of a $230 million contract, who is coming off a tough injury, and is also not as good as he once was.

Murray is under contract for the next three seasons, with cap hits of $52 million, $41 million, and $46 million in 2026, 2027, and 2028, respectively. There is an out after the 2027 season, in which Murray could be released, saving $46 million in cap space in 2028.

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But, with Murray playing just five games in 2025, and having an 88.6 passer rating, which was the worst mark of his NFL career so far, there's reason to be worried about Murray.

He can run well still, but the 28-year-old quarterback isn't the best option for the Jets this offseason. Malik Willis would be a solid choice, as would Kirk Cousins.

However, in this scenario from Ballentine, the Jets not only go after Murray, but also spend a lot of capital to bring him to the Jets. Two 2026 draft picks, plus a Day 2 pick next year that could be a second-rounder, is a lot to give up for Murray.

While he has potential, the risk is far too high for the Jets to move a future second, especially one in the 2027 NFL Draft that's set to be a great class.

Glenn and Mougey would be better off going after a different quarterback who's a lot cheaper to acquire. Trading what could be an early second-rounder for Murray, who's regressed, coming off an injury, and incredibly expensive, is too much to give up.

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