Could Kyler Murray Be a Fit on the Jets?

Could Kyler Murray Be a Fit on the Jets?

Kyler Murray Retrospective

In 2019, the Arizona Cardinals drafted Kyler Murray with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. One year after selecting UCLA quarterback Jose Rosen with the 10th overall pick, new head coach Kliff Kingsbury opted to go with Murray due to their already established relationship. Before taking the Texas Tech head coach job, Murray was recruited by Kingsbury while Kliff was on Texas A&M‘s staff. However, Murray opted to commit to the Aggies despite some late recruitment from Kingsbury at Texas Tech. Eventually, Murray’s time at Texas A&M was short-lived, and he decided to transfer to Oklahoma. After sitting behind Baker Mayfield for a season, Murray thrived in 2018. During his junior season, Murray led the nation in yards per pass and yards per completed pass. As well as throwing 42 touchdowns to seven interceptions and 4,361 yards to capture Oklahoma’s second consecutive Heisman trophy.

Early Success in Arizona

Murray parlayed that season into becoming the first overall pick in Arizona. Despite leading the Cardinals to only five wins, Murray quickly impressed. He threw 3,722 yards with 20 touchdowns to 12 interceptions and added four touchdown runs to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Between 2019-2021, Murray threw for 11,480 yards and 70 touchdowns to 34 interceptions, completing 66.9% of his passes. His production earned Murray back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2020 and 2021. However, this came with limited playoff success, as the Cardinals lost the only playoff game of Kyler Murray’s career in a wildcard game to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Eventually, the Rams would move on to win the Super Bowl that year, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the big game.

Torn ACL Halts the Process

After making the playoffs for the first time in his career, the Cardinals weren’t able to carry that into positive momentum. After going 11-6 in 2021, Arizona would regress to 4-13 in 2022. What’s worse, Murray would suffer a torn ACL in December during a Monday night loss to the New England Patriots. During the offseason, Kingsbury would be fired and replaced by Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Thankfully, Murray returned on November 12th, leading Arizona to a 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The following season, Murray now fully recovered from the knee injury, looked to bounce back in 2024. Both he and Arizona looked better, as the team improved to 8-9 and Murray tossed 21 touchdowns to only 11 interceptions and 3,851 yards.

Unfortunately, it would be a more difficult 2025 season ahead. Murray only played five games this season before suffering a foot sprain. However, the injury wasn’t the only thing holding the Cardinals back. Despite Murray’s efforts, the Cardinals struggled to find consistency on offense when he played. Especially with the lack of targets for top-five pick wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to succeed. Eventually, Arizona replaced Murray with Jacoby Brissett, and despite losing their last five games, Arizona’s offense looked much better with Brissett initially. After news of Murray’s absence for the rest of the season, fans have speculated whether this is the last time they’ll see Murray in Cardinals red.

Kyler Murray’s Connection to the Jets

If Kyler Murray is indeed on the market this offseason, the trade market won’t be as significant as Arizona hopes. A few teams will likely reach for a young quarterback in the draft due to the cap incentives. Additionally, Kyler Murray’s contract is challenging for teams to absorb. In 2026, Murray is making $36.8 million guaranteed. While he’s shown flashes of top 10 quarterback production, Murray’s mobility has taken a hit since his ACL injury. Justifying that kind of salary would be too much for teams to part with significant draft capital. Especially as Murray enters his age-29 season.

One potential option could be the New York Jets. After trading away star cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, the Jets have over $100 million in cap space this offseason. They have enough space to absorb Murray’s salary. In addition, Murray has two familiar faces on the team’s staff already. Jets offensive line coach Steve Heiden spent three years in Arizona as the team’s tight ends coach. In addition, Jets wide receivers coach Shawn Johnson was Arizona’s wide receivers coach in 2021-2022. A potential benefit to acquiring Murray would allow New York to go best player available in the first round of the draft this year. Should he falter in 2026, New York will still have three first-round picks in 2027 to move up for a rookie quarterback.

Should the Jets pursue Kyler Murray this Offseason?

At his best, Kyler Murray is a near top 12 quarterback when healthy. His connection to the coaching staff and useful mobility make him an interesting option. However, it would be in the best interest of both parties not to pursue the move. Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey need to find their quarterback in the draft over the next two seasons. Despite Murray’s experience, opting for a third veteran bridge quarterback would backfire for the Jets after both Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields failed. It would be better served by parting with some draft picks to move up for the first overall pick to pick Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

As for Murray, he will still have significant interest from teams looking for a bridge quarterback. A potential trip to the Pittsburgh Steelers could be enticing with Aaron Rodgers 2026 status up in the air. After the Achilles tear to Daniel Jones, the Indianapolis Colts could be a fit for Kyler Murray to rehab his value. Potentially, the Atlanta Falcons should be considered after Michael Penix’s torn ACL will keep him out for some time in 2026. It remains to be seen where Murray will play next year, but hopefully it comes to the benefit of both him and the Cardinals.