The Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray are heading towards a “divorce” this offseason, as the team will likely search for the next starter, as the NFL Combine has already commenced. Murray’s camp reportedly wants the Cardinals to release him, so he has the chance to test the market for the first time in his career. Despite Packers free agent Malik Willis being one of the top in the market, the camp still feels like Murray is prepared to have adequate interest next month. Originally selected in the first-round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former two-time Pro Bowler unfortunately hasn’t been the same player since his ACL tear.
This is why the Cardinals have reportedly grown frustrated with Murray as well, since he hasn’t been able to recapture his MVP form. While his mobility is shot, there’s still a decent chance he could sign with a team on a one-year “prove it” contract this offseason. When healthy, Murray recorded 3,787 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions to go along with 88 carries for 423 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns in 14 games played during the 2021 campaign.
Murray has been silent since failing to take the Cardinals past the Wild-Card round of the 2022 NFL Playoffs. With new head coach Mike LaFleur stepping in, the search will be on for the Cardinals to find their next franchise quarterback. Here are three teams that could roll the dice on Murray and his future as a mobile pocket-passer.
Kyler Murray Wants Out: 3 Possible Fits for “Clean Slate” Cardinals Quarterback
Potential Destinations
Minnesota Vikings
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has an understanding to retool quarterbacks he’s mentored over the past seasons. An example of that is Sam Darnold, who joined the Vikings for one year and took the team to the wild-card. However, the team has bet their chances on JJ McCarthy, who has been a disappointment so far for Minnesota. While Darnold won a Super Bowl in his first year since leaving the Vikings, it’s time for the team to develop another quarterback who’s been through a rollercoaster and stick with him.
The Vikings won’t bench McCarthy, but the team could consider bringing in Murray as competition. A trade won’t be likely, but the Vikings could keep an eye on the veteran if he becomes available via free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers will likely kick the tires for more seasons and reunite with former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. Despite that, the Steelers need to develop the future beyond Rodgers. The team has Will Howard waiting in the wings for a stable opportunity, but he will probably have to wait longer. For now, the Steelers could bring in Murray as a reliable backup, perhaps as a “Swiss Army Knife” similar to Taysom Hill.
Murray might not win the job here, but it would help him to learn behind Rodgers for a year and bolt somewhere else that needs a mobile starting quarterback.
Los Angeles Rams
Even though veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is returning for at least one more season, the Rams are another team that has to build for the future. While the team has Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett, it’s a solid option for Murray to consider. There hasn’t been a report of whether the Rams are interested, but Murray could join behind one of the greatest minds in football, head coach Sean McVay, to learn.