Kyler Murray is biggest QB draft bust since Rams man burned $130m and Vikings, Jets should be afraid

There is still hope for Kyler Murray.

If someone can finally get the best out of a dual-threat talent who’s on the verge of becoming the biggest No. 1 NFL draft pick quarterback bust in almost two decades.

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Murray linked with former Oklahoma QB and top pick

You have to go all the way back to 2010 to find a first-pick QB who was more disappointing to his team and fanbase.

Remember Sam Bradford?

Once an Oklahoma star — another thing he has in common with Murray — the top selection by the St. Louis Rams in 2010 won Offensive Rookie of the Year.

But Bradford soon become synonymous with paying way too much money to a QB who never delivered, and he finished his career bouncing across the NFL while compiling a 34-48-1 record over eight often-frustrating seasons.

Bradford completed a league-high 71.6 percent of his passes with Minnesota in 2016.

He played through injuries, became a starter for Philadelphia Eagles and Vikings after leaving the Rams, and collected $130 million during his NFL career.

But Bradford never made a Pro Bowl and never came close to fulfilling the expectations of being a No. 1 pick.

The current similarities to Murray are stunning.

Cardinals had no reason to keep Murray

There was nothing shocking about Arizona finally moving on from a 28-year-old QB who struggled to stay healthy and failed to build off strong starts to several seasons.

In recent years, it felt like Murray lived in one world and the Cardinals existed in another.

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He never recovered from the ‘video game clause’ in his contract and the $230m promised Murray is a modern case study for overpaying young QBs who aren’t ready for all of the weight that comes with crazy cash.

Murray entered the 2025 campaign with one of the worst contracts in the league.

Then he was limited to five games, posted a 47.2 QB rating and was outplayed by veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett.

Because it’s the Not For Long league and there’s always someone in need, Murray has already been linked to the New York Jets and Vikings in free agency.

One team will likely take shot on Murray in 2026

He’s twice finished in the top 10 for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Like Bradford, he won Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Murray’s 3,193 career rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns highlight his Pro Bowl talent.

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But he’s only played in more than 14 games once since 2020 and one of the NFL’s worst teams just gave up on him while desperately needing a franchise QB.

Baker Mayfield was the No. 1 pick in 2018, the year before Murray, and has clearly been better in the pros than his fellow Sooner.

Jared Goff (No. 1 in 2016), Andrew Luck (2012) and Cam Newton (2011) are in another league compared to Murray.

Jameis Winston (2015) only made one Pro Bowl and lost his starting status five years after he was drafted.

Murray breaks silence after Arizona tells him of release

But the 11-year pro has continued to win over fanbases from New Orleans to New York, and Winston is one of the most respected backups in the league.

“To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Murray posted after being informed of his release.

“I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.

“I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it. Godspeed.”

There is still hope for Murray in the NFL.

If the worst No. 1 QB pick in 16 years can finally become a franchise QB — at least for a couple of years.

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