March 4, 2026, 5:08 a.m. ET

The Arizona Cardinals shocked the NFL with their decision to release quarterback Kyler Murray at the start of the new league year next Wednesday, and the Pittsburgh Steelers would be an ideal landing spot.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future, the Steelers would be wise to at least kick the tires on Murray this free agency, given his age, past success, and potential upside.

Stats2019 (16 games): 3,722 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 64.4 completion percentage, 87.4 passer rating, 544 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns2020 (16 games): 3,971 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 67.2 completion percentage, 94.3 passer rating, 819 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns2021 (14 games): 3,787 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 69.2 completion percentage, 100.6 passer rating, 423 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns2022 (11 games): 2,368 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 66.4 completion percentage, 87.2 passer rating, 418 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns2023 (8 games): 1,799 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 65.7 completion percentage, 89.4 passer rating, 244 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns2024 (17 games): 3,851 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 68.8 completion percentage, 93.5 passer rating, 572 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns2025 (5 games): 962 passing yards, 6 passing touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 68.3 completion percentage, 88.6 passer rating, 173 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdownFit with Steelers offense

Unless the Steelers are fully convinced Rodgers can lead them to a Super Bowl in 2026, there’s little reason to believe Murray, at 28 years old, isn’t an upgrade over the aging 42-year-old veteran.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

While Murray hasn’t achieved the same success as he did his first three years in the league—in which he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and to a pair of Pro Bowls—he still possesses game-changing speed and a cannon of an arm at the quarterback position.

With Mike McCarthy’s proven success at developing quarterbacks, the Steelers could be Murray’s best shot at redemption in 2026 and beyond. His ceiling? Potentially the first All-Pro inclusion of his career. His floor? He’d become what Steelers fans hoped Justin Fields was.

Contract prediction

It’s hard to imagine other NFL teams breaking the bank on Murray after his abrupt exit from Arizona. With that in mind, we at Steelers Wire predict Murray to command an average annual value of $21 million, potentially signing a two-year contract worth $42 million.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.