Is Mighty Mouse destined to be the starting quarterback of the New York Jets this season? Kyler Murray may have played his last down for the Arizona Cardinals, but his future in the NFL isn’t so cut and dry.

In a weak quarterback class, in both the draft and in free agency, Murray’s name is arguably the biggest for many organizations in need of a new signal-caller. This is especially true following Arizona’s announcement that they’ll release the former Heisman Trophy winner at the start of the new league year.

Sources: Cardinals have informed QB Kyler Murray that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade between now and then.

Arizona already owes him $36.8M guaranteed in 2026, and another $19.5M would have triggered on March 15 for… pic.twitter.com/AT5oLDnr5L

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026

The New York Jets are among the teams expected to show interest in Murray. They desperately need competency at the position after finishing dead last in almost all passing categories.

Yet, not many fans or analysts would celebrate a Murray-to-Jets move due to concerns about leadership, maturity, and a desire to play football. But it doesn’t take away from the one thing that separates Murray from other quarterbacks on the market.

Other signal-callers such as Jacoby Brissett, Tanner McKee, and Derek Carr have been tied to the organization in recent weeks.

Murray to the Jets?

Win or get out.

That is the circumstance facing Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey in 2026. New York’s top leaders will need to win as many games as they can in order to save their jobs.

It makes sense that the organization on the hot seat would be willing to try their hand at a veteran reject who has been to the Pro Bowl throughout his NFL career.

In 87 starts, Murray is 38-48-1 in his career with a two-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio. He was the offensive rookie of the year in 2019 and has been to the Pro Bowl twice.

Murray signed a five-year, $230 million extension with the Cards in 2022.

Even better for the Jets is the fact that, when the Cardinals choose to release Murray, they’ll be taking on his large $54 million dead cap penalty.

New York would most likely only have to pay the 28-year-old the league minimum this season (depending on market demand for Murray’s services, of course).

Having a quarterback on such a flexible contract changes how a team can go about its offseason plan. Free agents who were once thought to be unattainable suddenly get a little easier to manage when a quarterback is on a team-friendly deal.

A potential Murray contract could change life for the Jets in 2026.

Offseason outlook

New York hasn’t had a competent quarterback for decades. Murray’s numbers, while disappointing for a former first overall pick, would be some of the best in Jets history over the last few years.

What was once a conundrum for the Jets, having to unload assets to acquire Murray, has become an easier solution. Still, targeting Murray isn’t even close to a no-brainer.

If the Jets want to entice Murray to come to Florham Park, though, more moves will need to be made along their roster. Gang Green would need to bring in another quality veteran receiver who could co-exist with Garrett Wilson.

They would also need to make a decision at left guard while also rebuilding their defense.

If those needs are addressed (and there’s no reason to believe the team won’t do so over the next few months), Murray should have some interest in helping save the jobs of the Jets’ head coach and general manager.

For the price of just $1.3 million — assuming his market doesn’t unexpectedly explode — Kyler Murray would be the New York Jets’ most sensible quarterback for another transition season.