Cardinals Moving On, Market Forms Fast
The Arizona Cardinals are expected to release quarterback Kyler Murray next week, setting up one of the most watched quarterback sweeps of the offseason. Sportsbook odds have already started to crystallize around a small group of teams, with the Minnesota Vikings emerging as the early favorite to land the former first overall pick.
At -110 on DraftKings, Minnesota sits atop the board, signaling near coin-flip expectations that the Vikings will make the move. The New York Jets follow at +175, with the Miami Dolphins at +320 and the Cleveland Browns at +450. The Atlanta Falcons are next at +500, an option that stands out given the talent already in place on offense.
Why These Teams Are Being Linked
The initial list reflects a mix of quarterback need, roster readiness, and front-office willingness to absorb a high-profile addition. The Vikings, Jets, Dolphins and Browns are all positioned in different ways, but each has reasons to explore a veteran starter with upside. Murray’s profile remains unusual for a player hitting the market at this stage: he has proven production, high-end athletic traits, and a résumé that includes leading an NFL offense at a high level when healthy and supported.
Atlanta’s presence in the top group adds an extra layer of intrigue. The Falcons have skill talent that could support an efficient, high-tempo attack, and they would represent a fresh-start environment. Still, the fit comes with its own storyline. The franchise’s new president of football operations, Matt Ryan, would be tasked with evaluating whether the team should hitch itself to a quarterback whose game has leaned heavily on mobility and burst.
The Rams Rumor and Familiar Connections
The longest shot on the board is the Los Angeles Rams at +7500, but the speculation is not random. Los Angeles likely needs a new No. 2 quarterback behind Matthew Stafford if it replaces Jimmy Garoppolo. A rumor circulating claims Stafford has already reached out to Murray about coming to L.A., though that claim has not been verified.
There are also legitimate relationship ties. Murray’s former head coach in Arizona, Kliff Kingsbury, is now on the Rams’ coaching staff. And Murray’s former Oklahoma teammate, Baker Mayfield, had a brief stop with the Rams in late 2022 before reviving his career in Tampa Bay. Those connections do not guarantee a deal, but they keep Los Angeles in the conversation as a destination that could offer structure, familiarity, and a defined role.
Play in 2026 or Reset for 2027
Beyond team fit, the bigger question may be Murray’s timeline. The decision is not just about where he signs, but whether he wants to play in 2026 immediately or step back for a year and position himself for 2027. That choice could reshape the market. A bridge year can reduce pressure, allow health and mechanics to stabilize, and improve leverage later. But it also delays the chance to reestablish value as a weekly starter.
Time is a factor. Murray turns 29 later this year, and quarterbacks who rely on elite speed and suddenness rarely keep those traits unchanged into their 30s. If he wants a long runway, the next phase of his career may require more pocket consistency, faster processing, and a game that can survive when the explosiveness fades. The teams evaluating him now are not only betting on what he is today, but what he can become next.
