Is Kyler Murray the answer in Las Vegas? Why the Raiders should consider adding Cardinals QB

All of this has sparked speculation about where Murray —  who has a 38-48-1 record in seven seasons as Arizona starter — might land next. And while several teams are in desperate need of a quarterback upgrade, the most logical fit for both sides appears to be the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7). 

That became even more clear during Las Vegas' 10–7 loss to Denver on "Thursday Night Football," when Raiders QB Geno Smith played dreadfully (16-for-26, 143 yards passing).

Kyler Murray’s fit with the Las Vegas Raiders

Nobody expected the Raiders to contend for a Super Bowl this season, but many believed they were talented enough to hover around the playoff race and perhaps sneak into a wild-card spot.

That clearly hasn’t been the case. And you can bet 74-year-old head coach Pete Carroll wants to right the ship as soon as possible — he’s not in Las Vegas to play the long game.

Drafting a quarterback in the first round is an option, but this year’s class isn’t particularly strong at the position, making that an unlikely quick fix for a team that needs answers now. 

A more immediate solution could be trading for Murray, who has two years left on a five-year, $230.5 million contract. The trade deadline has passed, so no deal can be made until the offseason. 

Murray's value has dipped to the point where acquiring him wouldn’t require a massive return, giving Las Vegas general manager John Spytek a rare opportunity to take a low-risk swing on a former No. 1 overall pick.

There’s no denying that Murray’s recent performances (220, 200 and 159 passing yards) have fallen short of expectations. Still, at 28, he’s firmly in his prime and possesses the traits — athleticism, arm talent and the ability to extend plays — that can make him a difference-maker when surrounded by the right pieces.

The Raiders already have two of those pieces in tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty. With even average quarterback play, that duo alone gives Las Vegas a chance to be competitive. Murray’s chemistry with tight ends — as seen in his connection with Trey McBride in Arizona — and his dual-threat versatility could pair beautifully with Jeanty in the backfield.

The wide receiver room remains thin after the trade of Jakobi Meyers to Jacksonville, but that’s an area the Raiders can address through the draft or free agency to further support Murray.

It’s understandable that teams like the Jets, Browns and Saints have been linked to Murray, but those are franchises in varying stages of rebuild. The Raiders, meanwhile, are much closer to contending — and a rejuvenated Murray might be exactly what they need to finally stabilize the quarterback position.