The NY Jets’ QB conundrum when considering Kyler Murray

The New York Jets will need a new quarterback going into 2026.

Most fans have already turned their sights to the 2027 NFL draft simply because they aren’t in line to acquire the top prospect this offseason. However, that won’t fly with the Jets coaching staff.

Aaron Glenn and company know they are under pressure to turn the organization around quickly, making this offseason the best opportunity to implement long-term changes at the position.

While names like Mac Jones or Malik Willis have been tied to the team in droves, the Jets have the option to consider one veteran quarterback with Pro Bowl talent, who is expected to hit the open market via trade…

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

The pros for Murray with the Jets

The numbers are what they are. In seven seasons with Arizona, Murray went 38-48-1 as a starter, with 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions. He’s been to the playoffs once and has the kind of athleticism that turns any offense into a quality rushing attack.

In many ways, he’s a more talented and polished Justin Fields in that regard (without nearly the same elite level of athleticism). This sort of comparison doesn’t help flip many of the negative (and warranted) thoughts when considering Murray as the next Jets quarterback.

When Murray is healthy, he is a very serviceable starting quarterback who can help stabilize an offense. His ceiling is no longer as high as many expected from a Heisman Trophy-winning first overall selection, but he is still someone who can help win football games.

It also isn’t hyperbole to say that Murray would be the most talented quarterback the Jets have had. Plus, he’s absolutely still considered to be in the prime of his career. With Arizona looking to move on and kickstart a rebuild, he also won’t cost as much in draft compensation as originally thought.

The Jets need someone who can stabilize the offense. Murray is the top name to do just that.

Troubling cons = conundrum

For all the arm talent and speed Murray has, there are very real reasons why the Cardinals are ready to move on from him, with a majority coming off the field.

Murray has had leadership questions surround his career in recent years due to a lack of focus and overall care for the position. He hasn’t improved in the slightest and isn’t a major practice player.

It’s the opposite of the kind of player Aaron Glenn has talked about having on the roster.

The big question surrounding Murray is that while he isn’t the kind of leader that Glenn may covet, he is arguably the most talented quarterback expected to be available this offseason.

Will Glenn sacrifice some principles to bring in a player who can increase the team’s win total and potentially save his job? It’s not totally out of the realm of possibility — especially with rumors of Woody Johnson’s anger being palpable following a dismal end to the first year of the new regime.

New York Jets fans may not want this type of quarterback on the roster next year. However, as we get closer to the start of the new league year, everything will be on the table, even a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for Kyler Murray.