NFL free agency is always a wild time for teams, players, and fans. For weeks, there have been rumors and reports about where various players will sign, what players will get cut, and which ones could get traded. Among the most talked about players during this time was former number one overall pick Kyler Murray.
And now that the Arizona Cardinals have informed him that he will be released, Murray is surely to garner even more attention and headlines.
There is no denying the fact that Murray’s tenure with the Cardinals ended disappointingly. That being said, he is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, former Offensive Rookie of the Year, and has a career quarterback rating of 92.2.
In other words, there are far worse quarterbacks out there on the market, and Murray could find himself getting some interest from various NFL teams.
1. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders, Skip Bayless, Kyler Murray, NFL free agency
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) runs the ball in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The Browns kicked a last second field goal to win 20-18.
Because of the guaranteed money that Murray is still due by the Cardinals, he is likely going to be available for a near league-minimum salary in 2026 (roughly $1.3 million). Because of the presumed low-asking price, he could get a look from the Cleveland Browns.
With new a new head coach who may not want to move forward with either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel (or Deshaun Watson), Cleveland could bring in Murray as a stop-gap quarterback while both Sanders and Gabriel develop.
This would be a great fit for Murray because he would likely get the opportunity to start. Other teams on this list may not be able or willing to give him that chance.
2. Green Bay Packers
Speaking of teams where Murray would not start. The Green Bay Packers are set at starting quarterback with Jordan Love. However, their backup, Malik Willis, is widely expected to get a chance to be a starter somewhere else as he enters free agency.
Undoubtedly, Green Bay would probably love to bring in Murray for a season to be Love’s backup. This would be beneficial to Murray, too, as he would join a team that turned around Willis’ career after his own failed stint with the Tennessee Titans.
Murray probably wants a chance to start, but a year sitting behind Love and learning from quarterback guru Matt LaFleur is not a bad idea either.
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings made the unfortunate decision not to re-sign Sam Darnold after his career-year with them. Instead, they put all their eggs in the J.J. McCarthy basket.
The result was Darnold going on to win the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks and McCarthy struggling mightily in Minnesota.
Murray would undoubtedly get the chance to start in Minnesota if the that organization wises up and realizes that their former top-10 pick needs some time to learn and develop.
4. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have a new general manager (Jon Eric-Sullivan) and head coach (Jeff Hafley). They also are looking to move on from their own struggling starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa.
They also are not, according to Eric-Sullivan, going to spend a lot of money in free agency.
Murray, then could be an option for Miami, either as a backup if they cannot move off of Tagovailoa’s contract, or as a starter if they can.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are likely to move on from former Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith. However, they are also expected to take Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.
If they are smart, and do not want to throw Mendoza to the wolves as a rookie, they could bring Murray on board to help mentor him. After a year, Mendoza could take over the offense and Murray, who would hopefully be coming off of a successful season, could sign elsewhere in free agency for a lot more money.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here