Kyler Murray trade rumors: Jets, Colts among 5 best fits, likely landing spots for Cardinals QB

Kyler Murray will be a difficult quarterback to move given how much money he's being paid by the Arizona Cardinals. That shouldn't stop the team from trying to part ways with the 2019 NFL No. 1 overall draft pick via a blockbuster 2026 offseason trade.

The Cardinals look to be ready to start a new QB era with offensive-minded head coach Mike LaFleur and their new offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett. The only avenue, however, is finding a team willing to deal for Murray.

Murray is set to count $52.6 million toward Arizona's salary cap. By trading him, the Cardinals would eat $17.9 million in dead money but also save $34.7 million against the cap. That's feasible if there were a suitable trade partner.

If the Cardinals do deal Murray, here's looking at the most likely landing spots:

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Kyler Murray's 5 best trade fits

1. New York Jets

The Jets are the obvious choice, sitting at No. 2 overall in the NFL draft after Fernando Mendoza would be taken by the Raiders and needing to move on from Justin Fields. The Jets also have a new offensive coordinator, Frank Reich, for Aaron Glenn's second season. 

Murray can give the Jets a dynamic dual threat a la Fields, only one with a better history of passing and rushing production when healthy. New York would be a marquee spot for Murray to get his career back on track. The Jets would hope to be a lot more competitive with Murray, giving the offense a much-needed spark for Garrett Wilson and others.

2. Cleveland Browns

The Browns hired offensive-minded Todd Monken as head coach, only three seasons removed from helping Lamar Jackson win his second NFL MVP in Baltimore. Monken's good work with another dangerous running QB would be a good influence on Murray, much like coach Kliff Kingsbury was in Murray's early Cardinals days.

Shedeur Sanders is a shaky default second-year starter and the Browns, with two first-round draft picks, may not want to force a pick on a non-Mendoza quarterback. Murray would make them a lot more competitive to complement the defense in what figures to be a run-heavy offense, with him playing a big part in that production.

3. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are turning the page to offensive-minded former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. Michael Penix Jr. is going into his third year with a lot to prove, coming off a partial ACL tear that sidelined him down the stretch in his second season. Kirk Cousins is also expected to leave Atlanta. Murray, who operated for former Stefanski assistant Drew Petzing's offense in Arizona, can have a favorable schematic transition. 

Murray would be something fun to watch with Bijan Robinson, Drake London and maybe a re-signed Kyle Pitts as his primary running and receiving support behind a solid line. Murray could push the Falcons into true contention to win the NFC South.

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4. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts need to make a decision on Daniel Jones, the QB taken not long after Murray in the first round of the 2019 draft, who is recovering from a torn Achilles' that hastened his delayed breakout season away from the Giants. Shane Steichen had great success coaching the dual threat of Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia and can take another shot on an athletic, strong-armed passer after the Anthony Richardson draft bust. Indianapolis could take a calculated shot at back-to-back revival projects instead of a risky further investment in Jones.

5. Los Angeles Rams

Would it be weird for the Cardinals to make a trade with an NFC West foe, especially after the Rams know Matthew Stafford will be back for at least one more season? Yes. But it can't be ruled out, as the Rams have the cap space to stash Murray with a reduced contract to get his passing and running together well under Sean McVay. LaFleur just left Los Angeles, but Kingsbury just joined McVay's offensive staff, which creates a good rebound connection for Murray. Don't sleep on a rare intradivision trade happening should the Cardinals get desperate and Rams think more about the future.