Cardinals Trade Kyler Murray to Jets for Day 3 Pick

ESPN's Bill Barnwell proposes a deal that would send the former No. 1 overall pick to New York.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Arizona Cardinals are expected to trade quarterback Kyler Murray this offseason, and ESPN's Bill Barnwell has suggested a deal that would send the former No. 1 overall pick to the New York Jets in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. The move would save the Cardinals $34.7 million in cap space, which they could use to rebuild their roster under new head coach Mike LaFleur. The Jets, meanwhile, are in need of a veteran quarterback and have the cap space to absorb Murray's contract.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have struggled since Murray's arrival in 2019, making only one playoff appearance. With a new coaching staff in place, the team appears ready to move on from the former Heisman Trophy winner. For the Jets, acquiring Murray would provide a significant upgrade at quarterback as they look to build around their young core and compete in the AFC East.

The details

Barnwell's proposed trade would send Murray to the Jets in exchange for a fourth-round pick, which would be in the early 100s. The Cardinals would save $34.7 million in cap space by moving on from Murray, who is set to have his 2027 salary fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the new league year. The Jets have the cap space to absorb Murray's contract and are in need of a veteran quarterback after Dante Moore's decision to return to Oregon.

  • The new league year begins on March 11, 2026, giving the Cardinals a five-day window to find a trade partner for Murray.
  • On the fifth day of the new league year, Murray's 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed.

The players

Kyler Murray

The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, who has played seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who is expected to oversee a rebuild of the team.

Dante Moore

The highly touted quarterback prospect who decided to return to Oregon for another season, rather than entering the 2023 NFL Draft.

Frank Reich

The new offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, who has previously worked with Jacoby Brissett in Indianapolis.

Monti Ossenfort

The new general manager of the Arizona Cardinals, who will be tasked with rebuilding the team's roster.

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What they’re saying

“Securing Murray in a trade solves the Jets' top need for the offseason. They could then focus on their other needs, which should center around building an offensive structure that can support their new quarterback.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“The Cardinals will shake up their organization to the core this offseason. The hope is that Ossenfort has a plan to replace Murray in both the short and long term.”

— Michael Mcdermott, Author (heavy.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This trade proposal highlights the Cardinals' need to rebuild their roster and find a long-term solution at quarterback, while also providing the Jets with a potential upgrade at the position as they look to compete in the AFC East.