Jets receive warning about Cardinals QB Kyler Murray from interesting source

A New York Jets side in need of a starting quarterback for the 2026 season is among the teams that have been linked with Arizona Cardinals signal-caller Kyler Murray. 

During the latest edition of his "Flight Deck" podcast, ESPN Jets insider Rich Cimini shared what he has learned about Murray amid the ongoing rumors. 

Kyler Murray has a history of not being a favorite among former teammates

"I was talking to someone, one of his former teammates, the other day," Cimini said about Murray, per Chris Franklin of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "He basically warned the Jets. I said, 'You know the Jets might be going after Kyler in a month or two,' and he goes, 'No, no, no, the Jets don’t want to do that. You don’t want Kyler Murray as your quarterback.' This is someone who played with Murray."

A story from January 2023 quoted an unnamed veteran player who was with the Cardinals at that time and who said that "it was like they created a monster" when Arizona signed the quarterback to a five-year contract extension reportedly worth $230.5M with $160M guaranteed the previous summer. More recently, retired quarterback and NFL analyst Shaun King mentioned that Murray "had to break some bad habits to have sustainability in this league." 

Earlier this week, new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur declined to reveal his plans for Murray. Many expect Arizona will attempt to trade the 28-year-old during the offseason. 

Could Jets target a different Cardinals QB? 

Murray made just five starts this season before Arizona shut him down due to a foot injury, and veteran Jacoby Brissett ended the campaign as the Cardinals' QB1. Brissett is under contract for next season, but it sounds like he could be an option for the Jets. 

"Brissett also happens to be very close with Bill Parcells," Cimini added. "He basically looks at Parcells as a mentor. They developed a relationship many years ago when Brissett was a high-schooler in South Florida, where Parcells lives. They hit it off, and they’ve stayed in touch. Of course, we know Parcells and (Jets head coach) Aaron Glenn are very close, so you can connect the dots there."

If nothing else, Cimini's update may show that the Cardinals could have trouble getting anything of value for Murray's services this spring.