The Arizona Cardinals have finally decided on what to do with quarterback Kyler Murray. In a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cardinals informed Kyler Murray that they will be releasing him on the first day of the new league year. Barring a trade between now and then. Reports that Kyler Murray’s camp wants the QB to be released so that he can sign with another team during free agency have also been circulating.
The release before March 15th gets the Cardinals off the hook for a $19.5 million in what would have been guaranteed money for Murray. Murray is also owed nearly $37 million by the Cardinals in 2026.
With Murray being available for the start of free agency, there are more than enough teams that should inquire about adding him.
Three Significant Destinations For Kyler Murray
One team that should consider adding Kyler Murray to their roster is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are without a starting quarterback. Aaron Rodgers, who is a free agent this offseason, has not decided whether or not to return to the team. Steelers GM Omar Khan has stated that there is no timetable for Rodgers to make a decision; something will have to be done. Kyler Murray would be a nice addition to a team looking to continue to be in playoff contention.
Rodgers did do an admirable job last season as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. Rodgers finished the season with 3,322 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. However, Rodgers averaged just 14.2 fantasy points per game, ranking him as the QB26. Rodgers’ mobility was also not what it had been in the past. Murray’s threat to run on much younger legs would be an asset for the Steelers.
Though Murray played just five games last season before getting hurt, he averaged a healthy 15.6 fantasy points per game and completed 68% of his passes. The Steelers need to decide with a sense of urgency. Rodgers again is not getting any longer, and it may be prudent to decide for him rather than wait for him to come around.
The Minnesota Vikings are another team that should look to add a quarterback like Kyler Murray during the free agency cycle. The Vikings are at a crossroads with JJ McCarthy, with several conflicting reports surrounding the embattled quarterback. On the one hand, reports suggest the Vikings want to move on from McCarthy, while others indicate that the Vikings aim to bring in a veteran to help win games while continuing to develop McCarthy.
The Minnesota Vikings need to add another quarterback, regardless of the direction they decide to go with JJ McCarthy. Carson Wentz is a free agent with ties to the New York Jets now that Frank Reich is the offensive coordinator. The Vikings also need to get Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison back on track. Both receivers suffered from poor and inconsistent quarterback play last season. Jefferson was a fantasy bust after being selected as a top option, scoring just 11.9 fantasy points per game. Addison was even worse with his 9.7 FPPG.
Kyler Murray, paired with quarterback guru Kevin O’Connell, would be a sight to see for fantasy football. O’Connell managed to unearth talent from Sam Darnold and made Kirk Cousins a late-round selection for much of his time with the Vikings. Adding Murray to that mix would put the Vikings back into contention within their division.
One last team that should consider using Kyler Murray is the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have everything that Murray needs to be successful for fantasy football in 2026. Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts are staples in the Falcons offense that a quarterback like Kyler Murray should be able to work with. Murray and Robinson, in particular, could be a dangerous combo for both the NFL and fantasy football. Last season, Murray averaged 34.6 rushing yards per game. Over a 17-game season, that would come to 588 yards. That would have been more rushing yards than Josh Allen’s 579 in 2026.
By the way, Allen finished first in rushing yards amongst fantasy quarterbacks.
Michael Penix does not seem to be a lock for the 2026 season either. The Falcons have been reportedly “noncommittal” on Penix with all the changes they have made from head coaching and other front office changes. With Kirk Cousins expected to be released at the start of the new league year, the Falcons will need to bring in more help at quarterback. At minimum, Murray would be able to restore his value as the starting quarterback until Penix was able to return to the field after suffering a torn ACL last season.
The Wrap Up
Kyler Murray, over five games of play, averaged more fantasy points per game than Aaron Rodgers, Michael Penix, and JJ McCarthy. In an offense that the Falcons sport, Murray would be a great asset for fantasy managers as a late-round target in fantasy drafts. Last season, Murray was being drafted as high as the QB9, according to Fantasydata.com.
Murray’s fantasy value should be significantly lower in the 2026 season, with the rise of other quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence, both of whom had much better seasons with new offense-minded head coaches in 2025. Depending on the landing spot, Murray could be a valuable late-round fantasy quarterback with top-10 upside. And there is nothing better than having more options when it comes to drafting in fantasy football.
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