Where Should Kyler Murray Go Next? Five Landing Spots For 2019 No. 1 Pick

Where should Kyler Murray go next? Five landing spots for 2019 No. 1 pick originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Kyler Murray chapter in Arizona has come to a dissatisfying close.

Arizona on Tuesday informed the 2019 No. 1 overall pick that it will move on from him when the new league year starts on Wednesday, March 11.

If the Cardinals don’t agree to a trade for Murray by that date, he will be released and allowed to enter unrestricted free agency — the choice will be his.

Murray, who will be 29 when the 2026 regular season starts, showed flashes of a promising dual-threat quarterback, but it all just didn’t align for him in Arizona. Had the Cardinals recognized the plateau sooner, they could’ve at least acquired some assets in exchange.

It’ll be an intriguing look for QB-needy teams. Murray has just one year of postseason experience — a 2021 wild-card loss. He’s needed a fresh change of scenery for a while, and may move the needle a bit in the right scenario. These teams should make a move on the two-time Pro Bowler:

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota’s decision to pivot from Sam Darnold to J.J. McCarthy backfired catastrophically within a season, even without the full context. The Vikings haven’t kept it a secret that a veteran quarterback is a needed addition to catch up in a tight NFC North. Adding Murray helps on the margins, especially with Justin Jefferson likely to get restless without proper quarterback play. Minnesota is one of the better hopeful contending options.

New York Jets

Saving the main contender for later, the New York Jets have entered quite the territory. They’re the butt of most jokes when analyzing and/or comparing NFL franchises, and Aaron Glenn might not be the answer at head coach (add to the list). But Murray is an upgrade on Justin Fields, while Garrett Wilson is the Jefferson equivalent at wideout. The Jets desperately need a multiple-year answer at quarterback. They may not be competitive immediately, but adding Murray would show intent to move in the right direction.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have more questions than answers entering 2026, and the quarterback position is one of them. Aaron Rodgers is yet to decide whether he wants to run it back for another year. Doing so would mean partnering with new head coach Mike McCarthy again. That’s not a needle-moving duo anymore. Murray would be at least a tier above, though the offense would need to add more receiving power beyond DK Metcalf in what should be an improved AFC North. He’d also be a solid aesthetic fit in the Steelers’ black and gold.

Miami Dolphins

Another AFC East team, the Dolphins are also shaking it up in 2026. Jeff Hafley has come in as the new head coach, while Tua Tagovailoa is likely done as the QB1. Mike McDaniel and Murray ironically would’ve made a fun duo, but Miami could still look to add more flair and unpredictability under center. With De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle as top weapons, the Dolphins would have more competition alongside youngster Quinn Ewers if Murray is signed.

Atlanta Falcons

Possibly the best option, Atlanta will also have a new head coach as Kevin Stefanski takes the reigns. The main draw is the weapons around a possible Murray addition, as Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson are a formidable trio in need of robust QB play. Michael Penix Jr. may end up being a backup at best despite his draft spot, and the injury issues shouldn’t be overlooked. The NFC South has also notoriously been wide open for several years, and that might be the case for at least another season.

Honorable mention:

New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough had a decent back half of the season as a rookie, but he’ll be 27 as a sophomore in September. Murray should elevate the competition in the Bayou.