Kyler Murray to the Jets? Insider Breaks Down the Potential Cardinals Deal

ESPN's Bill Barnwell projects a trade sending the former Pro Bowl QB to New York in exchange for a Day 3 pick.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly looking to trade quarterback Kyler Murray this offseason, and ESPN NFL insider Bill Barnwell believes the New York Jets could be the landing spot. Barnwell projects a deal that would send Murray and a sixth-round pick to the Jets in exchange for a fourth-round selection, citing the Cardinals' desire to move on from Murray and the Jets' need for a long-term quarterback solution.

Why it matters

This potential trade would mark the end of Murray's tenure in Arizona, where he has struggled to find consistency over the past two seasons under different coaching staffs. The move to the Jets could provide Murray with a fresh start and the opportunity to revitalize his career, while the Cardinals would clear significant cap space and acquire draft capital in the process.

The details

According to Barnwell, the Cardinals would save $34 million on their 2026 cap and $78 million in cash over the next two years by trading Murray before June 1. The Jets, who have a ton of draft capital after recent trades, would be able to acquire a talented quarterback without sacrificing too much in terms of draft assets.

  • Murray moves into his eighth NFL season in 2026.

The players

Kyler Murray

A former Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals who is now being shopped in trade talks.

New York Jets

An NFL team that has been heavily rumored as a potential landing spot for Kyler Murray this offseason.

Arizona Cardinals

Murray's current team, which is looking to offload the quarterback this offseason.

Bill Barnwell

An ESPN NFL insider who has projected a potential trade that would send Kyler Murray from the Cardinals to the Jets.

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What they’re saying

“Swapping a Day 3 selection for a quarterback who ranked 14th in Total QBR over the past two years won't hurt an organization that has a ton of draft capital after the Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner trades. Jets fans would love to add their quarterback of the future after seeing Sam Darnold thrive in Seattle, but they also haven't had even league-average QB play in a season since Josh McCown put together a solid year for the Jets in 2017. With nearly $79 million in cap space, the Jets also have plenty of money to spend.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN NFL insider (ESPN)

“The Cardinals would save $34 million on their 2026 cap and that $78 million or so in cash over the next two years if they trade Murray before June 1. It's never fun to see the face of the franchise dealt for a Day 3 pick, but I would suspect that the new staff was interviewed and hired with the understanding that Murray wouldn't be staying in Arizona for much longer. So a Murray trade might be about landing the best available deal instead of waiting for the right one.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN NFL insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Cardinals will have to decide whether to trade Murray this offseason or keep him on the roster under new head coach Mike LaFleur, who has already reached out to the quarterback.

The takeaway

This potential trade would mark a pivotal moment for both the Cardinals and Jets, as Arizona looks to move on from its former franchise quarterback while New York seeks to find a long-term solution under center. The deal could provide a fresh start for Murray and help the Jets transform their offense sooner rather than later.