For the first time in his seven-year NFL career, quarterback Kyler Murray will be taking snaps for someone other than the Arizona Cardinals in 2026.
Murray on Tuesday posted on social media a heartfelt goodbye to Arizona with the Cardinals planning to release him once free agency officially starts on March 12. Murray had been the Cardinals' franchise quarterback since they took him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after he won the Heisman Trophy with the Oklahoma Sooners.
Former Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray entering free agency after Cardinals release
To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
— Kyler Murray (@K1) March 3, 2026
I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my…
This time, for the first time, Murray will somewhat get to choose where he ends up in his NFL career as a first-time free agent, and there are five realistic options before free-agency chaos really unfolds.
Cleveland Browns
No quarterback at this point should willingly go to Cleveland, but the Browns need a legit QB1 and have a new head coach in Todd Monken. Murray and Monken could actually be a perfect match to turn the Browns around and get Murray's career back on track. The only other QB in the NFL who rivals Murray's speed and athleticism is the Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, who won his second NFL MVP in 2023 with Monken as his offensive coordinator.
Los Angeles Rams
Murray heading to Los Angeles is a rare prediction since the Rams have a solidified QB1 in reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, but at 38 years old and dealing with back issues, most didn't even expect Stafford to compete this past season, let alone have his best season. Those worries didn't disappear just because Stafford played out of his mind, and the Rams could look for a "just in case" option.
What could ultimately draw Murray to the Rams, though, is Kliff Kingsbury, who just got to L.A. as an assistant head coach. Kingsbury was the head coach and Murray's biggest believer when the Cardinals drafted him. Murray was at his best playing for Kingsbury. Playing for Kingsbury and head coach Sean McVay could be the best landing spot for Murray considering what Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold became after brief stints in L.A.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are looking for a complete rebuild after firing head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier, and part of that is likely another change at QB from Tua Tagovailoa. Outside of taking a chance in the 2026 NFL Draft, Murray would be the best available QB option for the Dolphins. However, the Dolphins are dealing with salary cap issues right now and there will be cheaper options than Murray.
Minnesota Vikings
The NFL has a quarterback development problem, which is exactly why the Minnesota Vikings could already start looking for another option after just one season with J.J. McCarthy as their starter. The Vikings have a roster to win now, though, so if Murray wants to immediately compete for a Super Bowl as QB1, Minnesota could be his best chance if available.
New York Jets
The New York Jets might need a quarterback more than any other franchise. The Jets could sign a veteran like Murray, then use draft picks to build around him, which might be their best chance to win now instead of yet another rebuilding year with a young QB.