The Arizona Cardinals will likely trade Kyler Murray this offseason. The quarterback has been linked to teams such as the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins. But what about the Atlanta Falcons?
Jack McKessy of USA TODAY listed Atlanta as a potential landing spot for Murray:
“In 2025, the Falcons, like the Vikings, attempted to roll with a second-year quarterback who played in the 2024 CFP National Championship before getting drafted in the first round. And like the Vikings, that quarterback’s season ended with mixed results. Michael Penix Jr. showed improvements in completion percentage and protecting the football, but he also took too many sacks and had a 3-6 record as a starter before his season ended early with a knee injury. Given Penix’s history of leg injuries – and the 6-2 record the Falcons had with Kirk Cousins after Penix’s injury – Atlanta faces a crucial quarterback decision this offseason.”
Murray has had an up-and-down NFL career. Would he bounce back in Atlanta?
Should the Falcons Trade for Kyler Murray?
Spotlighting Murray’s Career
Kyler Murray played both football and baseball at Allen High School in Allen, Texas. He was the Gatorade Football Player of the Year during his senior year. He also became the first player to be named Mr. Texas Football twice.
Murray’s team won three consecutive State championships and a whopping 43 games in a row. A five-star recruit coming out of high school, he committed to Texas A&M University to play football and baseball.
Murray spent just one season at Texas A&M before transferring to Oklahoma. He would miss the entire 2016 season due to NCAA transfer rules.
During his first season at Oklahoma (2017), Murray backed up current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. He became the starter the following year, though, as Mayfield went to the NFL.
Murray put together a spectacular 2018 campaign. He threw for 4,361 yards and 42 touchdowns while adding 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. As a result, he won the Heisman Trophy.
The Cardinals then selected Murray with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Finishing his debut season with 3,722 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, 544 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns, he was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.
During his seven seasons in Arizona, Kyler Murray was a Pro Bowler twice and led the Cardinals to the playoffs once (2021).
Does He Make Sense for the Falcons?
Quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins each started at least eight games for Atlanta in 2025. Penix, who tore his ACL, should return at some point next season. Meanwhile, the 37-year-old Cousins is widely expected to be released as the Falcons look for financial flexibility after restructuring his contract.
If Cousins is released and Penix isn’t ready early next season, the Falcons could find themselves in a tough spot. The team would need to acquire a veteran to hold down the fort.
Should Kyler Murray be that guy? While he found success early on in his career, he just hasn’t been the same since suffering a torn ACL in 2022. He missed six games in 2022, nine the following year, and 12 this past season.
It wouldn’t be wise for the Falcons to trade for Murray. There’s no point in bringing in someone who’s injury-prone. Instead, they should look elsewhere for a signal-caller.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images