Kyler Murray’s time in Arizona is coming to an end, will he get a starting job elsewhere?

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13 February 2026 at 20:30

The Kyler Murray experience has been a wild, dual-threat ride in the NFL. From the moment he went No. 1 overall in 2019, Murray was the cheat code, a pint-sized playmaker with a rocket arm and the wheels of a track star. He took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and followed it up with back-to-back Pro Bowls, peaking as a top-five fantasy QB who could save your week with a single 40-yard scramble.

But lately, the Call of Duty jokes and study clause memes have been replaced by a much grimmer reality for dynasty managers. After a career-low five games in 2025 and a not-so-soft benching in favor of Jacoby Brissett, the desert sun has set on Murray’s time in Arizona.

With Adam Schefter reporting the Cardinals are actively seeking a trade partner, Murray is officially entering his nomad phase.

The Talent is Obvious, but the Fit is Failing

Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is pressured by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Mykel Williams (98) during the second half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

It is easy to look at Kyler Murray’s current price, sitting around QB25 on KeepTradeCut, and see a screaming buy. On paper, he is a 28-year-old former elite producer who has never finished outside of the top 12 quarterbacks on a points-per-game basis until this most recent injury-riddled stretch.

Proponents argue that a change of scenery to a team like the Jets or Falcons could revitalize his career. However, dynasty football is about longevity and reliability, two traits Murray currently lacks.

Declining Rushing Floor

The most alarming trend for Murray is the erosion of his rushing upside. In 2020, he scorched defenses for 819 yards and 11 touchdowns. By 2024, those numbers settled into a respectable but less dominant 572 yards and 5 scores. In his five starts in 2025, the efficiency cratered further.

As he approaches 30, the Konami Code rushing production that masked his passing inconsistencies is evaporating. Historically, mobile QBs who lose their elite rushing floor without becoming elite pocket passers (see: Cam Newton) fall off the fantasy cliff rapidly.

Jacoby Brissett Benchmark

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The most damning piece of evidence from the 2025 season wasn’t Murray’s injury; it was how the offense functioned without him. While Murray averaged a middling 16.2 fantasy points per game, veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett stepped into the same Mike LaFleur-led system and flourished.

Reports indicated the Cardinals’ offense operated with significantly higher EPA (Expected Points Added) and third-down efficiency under Brissett. When a backup outplays a $230 million franchise QB, it suggests that Murray’s height (5’10”) and tendency to bail on clean pockets have become schematic liabilities that coaches no longer want to work around.

Ultimately, Murray may not be a starting-level QB

Murray represents an empty value. He has never thrown for 4,000 yards or 30 touchdowns in a season, meaning he is entirely dependent on rushing volume to stay relevant. With an uncertain future, a massive contract that makes him difficult to trade, and a playstyle that leads to frequent soft-tissue injuries, he is a volatile asset for NFL teams.