After seven seasons as the Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback, Kyler Murray has proven to not work out. This doesn’t mean that he sucks, but it’s time to come to acceptance that Murray will not have success in Arizona.
We’ll discuss what leads me to this conclusion, but it’s also important to discuss what is next, and that very well could be a trade. While some will say he has no trade value, the reality is there are many NFL teams that need a quarterback.
Here’s why the Cardinals need to trade Kyler Murray, and why the Las Vegas Raiders could be a fit. This is a Prediction, not a Report.
Kyler Murray Trade Proposal: Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders Receive: QB Kyler Murray
Arizona Cardinals Receive: QB Geno Smith, LV 2026 2nd Rounder, LV 3rd Rounder, & 2027 LV 2nd Rounder
Why the Raiders Make This Trade
The Raiders need a guy to build their offense around and that truly isn’t Geno Smith. Las Vegas is likely to have another Top-10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and if they don’t see a quarterback they are completely sold on, they should look to the trade market for someone like Kyler.
While he hasn’t performed great, the Cardinals situation also hasn’t been great, and he would step into a Las Vegas offense with two cornerstones with Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers to go along with Kyler’s talent.
Why the Cardinals Won’t Fire Jonathan Gannon
The Cardinals are currently paying Kliff Kingsbury from the contract he signed through the 2027 season, and they signed Gannon to a five-year contract from 2023-2028. While Gannon has had his struggles, it may not be financially smart to get rid of Gannon just yet, but instead go in a different direction at QB.
Kyler Murray Stats
Through five games of the 2025 season, Kyler Murray has completed 110 of 161 pass attempts (68.3 %) for 962 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, yielding a passer rating of 88.6.
He’s also been sacked 16 times for 111 yards lost and has added 173 rushing yards with 1 rushing TD.
Kyler Murray Contract
Murray is under a five‑year, $230.5 million extension that carries an average annual value of $46.1 million, with fully guaranteed money at the time of signing of about $103.3 million.
His 2025 cap hit is $43,325,677. If Arizona were to trade him in the 2026 offseason (post–June 1 designation), they would incur a dead cap charge of $27,718,177 while realizing cap savings of about $25,542,500.
Other Kyler Murray Trade Destinations
Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins are stuck in a contract with Tua Tagovailoa, but Miami should totally be interested in a potential Kyler trade. New York Jets – This is likely the clearest option as they have a major need because Justin Fields is not the answer. Pittsburgh Steelers – If Aaron Rodgers retires, they have a major need for a quarterback.
Arizona Cardinals Schedule
Week 7: vs Green Bay Packers Week 8: BYE Week 9: @ Dallas Cowboys Week 10: @ Seattle Seahawks Week 11: vs San Francisco 49ers Week 12: vs Jacksonville Jaguars Week 13: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 14: vs Los Angeles Rams Week 15: @ Houston Texans Week 16: vs Atlanta Falcons Week 17: @ Cincinnati Bengals (TBD date) Week 18: @ Los Angeles Rams (TBD date)