The 2019 NFL Draft featured an elite group of prospects, but it lacked many franchise-altering quarterbacks. The Arizona Cardinals, however, thought they found their man in Kyler Murray, who they selected with the No. 1 overall pick.
While he never racked up the most impressive stats, he got incrementally better in his first three seasons, completing his best campaign in year three, which coincided with his only playoff berth in Arizona.
The Cardinals did end up falling to the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the playoffs, but it looked like the only way for the franchise to go was up.
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However, Murray battled debilitating injuries from that point on, missing at least six games in three of the last four seasons, coupled with inconsistent play on the field.
These pitfalls led to him falling out of favor with the coaching staff, and he was ultimately informed that he’d be released at the start of the new league year.
Sources: Cardinals have informed QB Kyler Murray that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade between now and then.
Arizona already owes him $36.8M guaranteed in 2026, and another $19.5M would have triggered on March 15 for… pic.twitter.com/AT5oLDnr5L— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
With free agency opening up today, let’s take a look at three teams who could use Murray’s services.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have been linked to tons of quarterbacks this offseason, both on the trade block and in free agency.
They made the foolish decision to let both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones hit the open market last year, and both thrived with their respective teams while Minnesota’s young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, struggled.
These choices influenced the team to fire former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and they seem determined to get the position right this time around.
The Minnesota Vikings are “exploring all possibilities” to improve their quarterback play in 2026, executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski said Tuesday.
More via @SeifertESPN:https://t.co/OPX6StzNyr— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 25, 2026
Murray would be a perfect fit here, as he would be paired with a superstar receiver in Justin Jefferson, which was a key component of his only successful seasons in Arizona.
He would get to play with one of the best defenses in the league, a luxury that was never afforded to him with the Cardinals, meaning he wouldn’t have to put the entire team on his shoulders.
In terms of structure and team talent, there aren’t many better fits for Murray than Minnesota, he would just need to deliver on his end of the bargain.
Atlanta Falcons
Similarly to the Vikings, the Atlanta Falcons have an offense that is overloaded with talent.
Murray would get a chance to work with one of the best running backs in the league in Bijan Robinson, while also having a promising tight end in Kyle Pitts to throw the ball to.
From a roster standpoint, this would be the perfect spot for Murray, but the football leadership is a bit questionable.
Atlanta recently went through a structural overhaul, firing both their head coach and general manager, replacing them with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and Chicago Bears executive Ian Cunningham.
While both are highly regarded around the league, it’s been a while since Stefanski has had success, and Cunningham is unproven.
On top of that, Falcons legend Matt Ryan was given an important role in the organization, which will be the first job he’s ever held in football.
This partnership has the most upside for the former first-overall pick, but it also has the biggest risk associated with it.
New York Jets
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The New York Jets are coming off a disastrous season, which has unfortunately become the norm for them.
Head coach Aaron Glenn fired a majority of his coaching staff following the team’s final game in January, so there is good reason to believe he may be on the hot seat.
If that is truly the case, it would make sense to sign a high-potential, veteran quarterback like Murray.
Just last offseason the Jets signed a castoff dual-threat signal caller, Justin Fields, who ended up getting benched, but Murray is a much better passer, which should provide more hope to the team’s brass.
New York has long been believed to have some of the most promising, young talent in the game, like running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Unfortunately, they’ve never had a quarterback, or an offense in general, that could unlock their talents.
Murray hasn’t had much success with the lackluster offenses he’s been provided with recently in his career, so maybe he rejuvenates his ability with a star-studded lineup like the Jets.
Only time will tell where the controversial quarterback ends up next, but one thing that’s certain is that he needs to impress in a big way at his next destination.
Related: Falcons to Release Kirk Cousins: 3 Potential Landing Spots in NFL Free Agency