GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals head coaching search has taken away focus from quarterback Kyler Murray’s trade rumors. The two-time Pro Bowler is expected to be dealt out of Arizona after seven years.
GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals head coaching search has taken away focus from quarterback Kyler Murray’s trade rumors. The two-time Pro Bowler is expected to be dealt out of Arizona after seven years. With the franchise’s current standing, many project the Cardinals to look for draft asset as the 2026 NFL draft approaches.
However, they’ll have to find a deal more than a month out of the draft to save themselves from guarantee money. CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan discussed the deadline to trade Murray and his value for teams.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Sullivan on timeline and value for Murray:
“As CBS Sports’ Joel Corry notes, Murray’s situation will need to come to a head before March 15th (the fifth day of the 2026 league year), as that’s when his $19.7 million base salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed. With that in mind, this potential trade could come together early in the offseason. Another factor that could drive a Murray trade is that the quarterback class at the 2026 NFL Draft isn’t particularly strong, so teams may be more inclined to target a veteran like Murray.”
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) leaves the field after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The 28-year-old is still one of the most exciting players in the league, and Sullivan believes a team like the New York Jets would trade up to a second rounder for Murray. Jets are one of the many reported teams interested, including Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Las Vegas will likely get their new QB with Fernando Mendoza first overall, while Minnesota and Pittsburgh will likely run back their starters from last year. A weak 2026 quarterback class leaves New York desperate to find, at minimum, a quality starter that can bridge until finding a rookie replacement in the draft in years to come.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws the ball over Tennessee Titans linebacker Jihad Ward (53)at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Arizona have a lot of holes and need all the draft assets it can stash. A second-round pick from the Jets is essentially a first rounder, and if its this year, the Cardinals would have the third, 33rd and 34th pick in the 2026 draft. Whether they draft from those positions, or trade back to get more assets, the franchise would be in a stellar position moving forward.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
Category: General Sports
