Few NFL teams love a bargain behind center like the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers paid about $15 million to its two primary starting quarterbacks the past two years. The team paid that little sum despite signing both in NFL free agency. If the Steelers want a bargain again behind center in 2026, Kyler Murray could quickly become one of the teams’ top targets.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Arizona Cardinals revealed their plans to release Murray. That could allow the veteran to be available for a significant discount this season.
ESPN’s Field Yates explained why. The reason is similar to why the Steelers were able to ink Russell Wilson to a league-minimum contract two years ago.
“Because the Cardinals already owe Kyler Murray $36.5M guaranteed for 2026, whichever team signs him is going to have the change to do so at a massive bargain,” wrote Yates.
“Pittsburgh did this with Russell Wilson after his release from Denver.
“Plenty of teams are in need for a QB.”
Pittsburgh did this with Russell Wilson after his release from Denver.
Plenty of teams are in need of a QB.
In 2025, Murray played in just five games because of a foot injury.
During his last full season in 2024, he led the Cardinals to an 8-9 record. He completed 68.8% of his passes for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Murray had 572 rushing yards and five scores on the ground as well.
Why Kyler Murray Could Offer Bargain Price
No matter what Murray does, the Cardinals are going to pay him $36.5 million in 2026. Wilson was in the same situation with the Denver Broncos during 2024.
The Broncos owed him $39 million. Unless a team was willing to offer him more than that sum, Wilson’s pay was going to be $39 million. His new team was set to pay him his new contract amount, with the Broncos picking up the difference.
So, to benefit his new team and “stick it” to his old one, Wilson signed a 1-year, $1.21 million deal with the Steelers. That left the Broncos on the hook for $37.79 million.
NFL teams could do something very similar with Murray this offseason. They could pay him a couple million, which would leave the rest of the $36.5 million on the books for Arizona.
Either way, it will make no difference for the quarterback. Murray will make $36.5 million.
The big difference between Murray and Wilson, though, is Murray is likely to have a much bigger market this offseason. Two years ago, Wilson’s options were limited. So when the Steelers quickly identified him as their top choice, Wilson agreed to the bargain price.
Murray is likely to have multiple suitors.
Because of his Cardinals contract, maybe Murray will come with a discount in 2026. But if he wants a new multi-year deal, teams might have to open the wallet for beyond this season to entice the signal-caller to sign.
Could Steelers Pursue Murray in 2026 NFL Free Agency?
Although not guaranteed, the possibility of a bargain price with Murray could intrigue the Steelers. However, there’s still the question of offensive fit.
New head coach Mike McCarthy has traditionally worked with pocket passers. Not that he can’t tutor Murray; the question is whether McCarthy sees the quarterback’s style as appealing.
The signal-callers already under contract in Pittsburgh for 2026, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, can’t match Murray’s athleticism. If McCarthy designs his playbook for Murray, and he suffers another injury in Pittsburgh during 2026, the entire offense will have to change for Rudolph or Howard.
With Murray, the Steelers would also essentially be ending their relationship with Aaron Rodgers. At the combine, general manager Omar Khan appeared to prefer waiting on Rodgers potentially returning over testing the free agency market.
The Steelers need to find a franchise quarterback. So, the more potential ones that are available, the better.
But that doesn’t mean they will pursue Murray. That’s regardless of his price.
Steelers Could Repeat Free Agent QB Tactic After Kyler Murray Release