Best NFL Landing Spots for Kyler Murray After Cardinals Release Star QB

You can officially add Kyler Murray to the NFL's offseason quarterback carousel.

The Arizona Cardinals informed Murray Tuesday that they're releasing him, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Prior to his release, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Murray wants to play for a contender at his next career stop (h/t Bleacher Report's Adam Wells):

"He's got the high guarantees of nearly $40 million, all of that triggers by mid-March. So, they have to come to a resolution here in the coming weeks. He wants to go to a winner, that's what he wants. So, you figure maybe Minnesota could be an option for him. We'll see what happens."

The Cardinals have missed the playoffs in four consecutive seasons. Murray started in at least eight games in three of those campaigns. Perhaps both sides will benefit from a split. Arizona can find a quarterback with more upside, and the 28-year-old signal-caller could land with a team that surrounds him with a stronger supporting cast.

In the wake of Murray's release, five potential suitors make the most sense for him. All of these teams are quarterback-needy and could get the most out of the two-time Pro Bowler.

Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons hired two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. He worked with several quarterbacks in Cleveland, navigating the trade for Deshaun Watson and his injuries. 

Compared to the signal-callers Stefanski had in Cleveland, Murray would be a significant upgrade. 

Atlanta also hired new general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football operations Matt Ryan to lead the new regime. They were noncommittal about Michael Penix Jr.'s status as the team's starter, which isn't a surprise given his extensive injury history and inconsistencies last season.

In 2025, Penix threw for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions with a 60.1 percent completion rate before he suffered an ACL injury that required surgery. 

While Penix showed signs of promise in spots, he didn't do enough to earn the franchise quarterback label, and his injury clouds his status for Week 1 of the next season.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo expects Atlanta to release backup Kirk Cousins, but he cautioned not to rule out his return to the team.

The Falcons can bring in a more proven player to start over Penix if they have concerns about his development and longevity—someone younger than Cousins. Though Murray missed 12 games last season, he may have been able to play late in the campaign if Arizona hadn't named Jacoby Brissett its starter early in his recovery from a foot injury.

In Atlanta, Murray would have an experienced, offensive-minded head coach and an established lead wide receiver, Drake London, which would give him a good shot to get back into Pro Bowl form.

Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones

The Indianapolis Colts gave Daniel Jones the transition tag on Tuesday, although that doesn't guarantee that he'll be back this season. Besides, the 28-year-old tore his ACL late in December, which makes him uncertain to be ready for Week 1.

Either way, Murray would be a better option.

Jones has missed multiple games in six out of seven seasons because of an injury or a coach's decision to bench him. Because of that, he's missed at least four games in each of the last three seasons.

Ironically, Murray went No. 1 overall in the same draft as Jones, and he's been more productive despite recent injuries that sidelined him for extended stretches. 

Assuming Murray has fully recovered from a foot injury, he provides more certainty at quarterback with a slightly better resume.

Colts head coach and offensive play-caller Shane Steichen maximized Jones' skill set. Murray could also use his legs, but he stretches the field more frequently with his deep-ball passing, which will allow the Colts to open up their playbook.

With a playoff-caliber roster, Murray could also win a lot of games in Steichen's system.

Miami Dolphins

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

The Miami Dolphins are a mediocre team that may not appeal to Murray's desire to play for a contender, but they have been in the mix for a playoff spot in the last two years, finishing with 8-9 and 7-10 records.

Keep in mind that the Dolphins clinched postseason berths in 2022 and 2023. They're not far off from contention.

As Miami looks to trade Tua Tagovailoa, it could consider a more dynamic veteran upgrade to stay competitive.

Murray could be drawn to the explosive playmakers in Miami. Last season, running back De'Von Achane averaged a league-high 5.7 yards per carry. Jaylen Waddle averaged 14.2 yards per catch.

The Dolphins have a new coaching staff led by Jeff Hafley, who added offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Under Slowik, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had his most productive season, winning 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year.

If Miami gets some cap relief from trading Tagovailoa, it could be in the market for another veteran signal-caller who can help them win right away. As a passer who can threaten defenders across the field and evade them on the ground, Murray would allow the Dolphins to add new dimensions to their offensive game plans. 

Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings are the best fit for Murray. He would play under head coach and established play-caller Kevin O'Connell, who helped Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold perform at Pro Bowl levels and team up with two-time All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson. 

O'Connell said he wants competition in the quarterback room. Murray should be able to beat J.J. McCarthy for the starting job.

As the Vikings' starter, Murray wouldn't have to win in scoring shootouts every week, with a top-seven defense in scoring and total yards slowing opposing offenses.

O'Connell has led the Vikings to the playoffs in two of the previous four seasons. With a signal-caller who has a Pro Bowl ceiling, he can get this club back to the playoffs in 2026. Murray could be his next veteran quarterback success story. 

Barring a barrage of cuts and contract restructures, the Vikings have limited cap space flexibility. So, Arizona would likely have to release Murray for him to end up in Minnesota.

Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Matt Durisko

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers

At 42 years old, Aaron Rodgers is a year-to-year quarterback option who needs months to determine whether he'll continue his NFL career. The Pittsburgh Steelers can acquire Murray with the intention of keeping him around for multiple seasons.

While it's hard to imagine an undersized quarterback in a Steelers uniform, this club would give Murray the best chance to win if the Minnesota Vikings aren't interested in him.

Pittsburgh has clinched a playoff berth in three consecutive seasons and in five of the last six campaigns. Moreover, the Steelers have established stability for decades. 

This offseason, the Steelers hired a new head coach, something they haven't done since 2007, but Mike McCarthy has gone through five seasons at his previous two stops in Dallas and Green Bay, leading those clubs to multiple division titles. 

McCarthy helped develop Rodgers in Green Bay, and Dak Prescott posted league-high passing numbers on his watch in Dallas. Though he's an older retread, the 62-year-old knows how to design an offense fit for his starting quarterback.

Stylistically, Murray is an odd fit in Pittsburgh, but the chance to play for McCarthy and a stable organization could still appeal to him.

Moreover, Murray may finally throw for 4,000-plus yards in a season, launching deep passes to DK Metcalf.

Team cap space details are provided by Over the Cap.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.