Jets Reportedly Eyeing Kyler Murray Trade to Land Franchise QB

The New York Jets are looking to make a big move to secure their long-term quarterback of the future.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 8:39am

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According to a projected trade by ESPN's Bill Barnwell, the New York Jets are looking to acquire former first overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray from the Arizona Cardinals. The Jets, who have struggled to find a franchise quarterback for nearly two decades, are hoping to land Murray in a deal that would only cost them a fourth-round pick. Murray's 2025 season was hampered by injuries and a reported falling out with the Cardinals' coaching staff, leaving his future in Arizona uncertain.

Why it matters

The Jets have been searching for a true franchise quarterback for years, and acquiring a talented player like Kyler Murray could be the move that helps them finally compete with their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills. However, Murray's injury history and reported issues with the Cardinals' coaching staff raise some concerns about his long-term viability.

The details

The proposed deal would see the Jets acquiring Murray from the Cardinals, who may be willing to trade or cut the 2019 first overall pick ahead of the 2026 season to avoid a $17.9 million dead cap hit. The Jets would be on the hook for $52.6 million in 2026 and $43.5 million in 2027 if they were to acquire Murray.

  • The 2025 NFL season was even more disappointing than usual for Jets fans.
  • Kyler Murray was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season by now-fired head coach Jonathan Gannon ahead of the Cardinals' Week 14 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
  • Gannon's decision to continue starting veteran signal caller Jacoby Brissett over Murray for the Cardinals' final handful of games proved to be costly, as Gannon was fired following a 3-14 season.

The players

Kyler Murray

A former first overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner, Murray's future with the Arizona Cardinals is uncertain after a 2025 season hampered by injuries and a reported falling out with the team's coaching staff.

New York Jets

The Jets have been searching for a franchise quarterback for nearly two decades and are looking to make a big move to secure their long-term solution at the position.

Jonathan Gannon

The former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, Gannon was fired following a 3-14 season in 2025 after opting to continue starting veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett over the injured Kyler Murray.

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What’s next

The Jets will need to determine if the potential cost and risk of acquiring Kyler Murray is worth the potential reward of landing a franchise quarterback to help them compete in the AFC East.

The takeaway

The Jets' reported interest in Kyler Murray highlights their ongoing search for a long-term solution at quarterback, a position that has plagued the team for nearly two decades. While Murray's talent is undeniable, his injury history and reported issues with the Cardinals' coaching staff raise concerns about his long-term viability, making this a high-risk, high-reward move for the Jets if they decide to pursue it.