Steelers' Mike McCarthy Reportedly Likes New Free-Agent Quarterback

Kyler Murray could be an option for Pittsburgh if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Kyler Murray is headed for free agency after the Arizona Cardinals reportedly informed him that they plan to release him on Tuesday. This is interesting news for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who still have an unsettled quarterback situation as they wait for Aaron Rodgers to decide whether he wants to play in 2026. If Rodgers doesn't come back, Murray could be an option for the Steelers, as head coach Mike McCarthy has reportedly liked Murray in the past.

Why it matters

The Steelers are in need of a quarterback if Rodgers doesn't return, and Murray could be an affordable option as a free agent. McCarthy's reported interest in Murray suggests the team may be considering him as a potential replacement.

The details

During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan in late January, Steelers beat reporter Nick Farabaugh said that McCarthy likes Murray. 'Mike McCarthy, in the past, has really liked Kyler Murray. That's been something to watch,' Farabaugh said. 'Let's say Rodgers doesn't want to come back. I think Kyler's gonna be on the table.' Given that Murray can be had for the league minimum, he should be. The Steelers would only need to pay him $1.3 million next season, which would give them plenty of financial flexibility to pursue other players and potentially another quarterback.

  • On Tuesday, the Arizona Cardinals reportedly informed Kyler Murray that they plan to release him.
  • In late January, Steelers beat reporter Nick Farabaugh said that head coach Mike McCarthy has liked Murray in the past.

The players

Kyler Murray

A quarterback who is headed for free agency after the Arizona Cardinals reportedly informed him that they plan to release him on Tuesday.

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has reportedly liked Kyler Murray in the past.

Aaron Rodgers

The quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who is still deciding whether he wants to play in 2026.

Nick Farabaugh

A Steelers beat reporter who said that McCarthy has really liked Kyler Murray in the past.

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What they’re saying

“Mike McCarthy, in the past, has really liked Kyler Murray. That's been something to watch.”

— Nick Farabaugh, Steelers beat reporter (93.7 The Fan)

What’s next

Time will tell how much McCarthy likes Murray and how badly he wants him on Pittsburgh's roster, if at all. The price is right, but is the player?

The takeaway

The Steelers' quarterback situation remains unsettled, and Kyler Murray could be an affordable option if Aaron Rodgers doesn't return. Head coach Mike McCarthy's reported interest in Murray suggests the team may be considering him as a potential replacement.