GLENDALE –A franchise reset can be rough, though sometimes the most difficult part isn’t losing a star, it’s where that star might go next. With the Los Angeles Rams being linked with Kyler Murray, it would be a painful sight for Cardinals fans.

Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles for a first down in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

With the Arizona Cardinals moving on from quarterback Kyler Murray, the ripple effects could reach far beyond Arizona. According to reporting from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, several teams have emerged as potential landing spots: the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and perhaps most intriguingly, the Los Angeles Rams. Prediction market Polymarket has even suggested Los Angeles could be the favorite, particularly if Murray spent a season learning behind veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

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Could Kyler Murray end up playing for the Los Angeles Rams?

Stafford remains productive, but he’s entering the later stages of his career. A dynamic quarterback waiting in the wings would give Los Angeles a rare luxury with a succession plan without sacrificing short-term competitiveness. Under head coach Sean McVay, the Rams have built one of the league’s most quarterback-friendly systems, pairing aggressive downfield concepts with creative play design. The Rams’ offensive weapons and coaching stability could make the environment appealing for Murray, whose dual-threat skill set still carries elite upside when healthy.

Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) shake hands following the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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The emotional impact would hit hardest in Arizona. For years, Murray represented the franchise’s identity, a No. 1 overall pick tasked with leading the Cardinals into a new era. Seeing him eventually thrive with a rival that has consistently dominated the Cardinals during the McVay era would sting. For Cardinals fans, the scenario represents a harsh truth about rebuilding: Sometimes, the future you’re chasing includes watching the past succeed somewhere else. If that “somewhere else” ends up being Los Angeles, the NFC West drama would only intensify.

Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) pressures Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen