Kyler Murray free agency sweepstakes: Top landing spots for dual-threat QB

The Arizona Cardinals are expected to make Kyler Murray's release official later today, which would instantly make him one of the top quarterbacks on the free agent market

Despite a fast start to his career, the 28-year-old never truly lived up to the lofty expectations that come with being a No. 1 overall draft selection.

Assuming a return to MLB does not materialise, Murray's next NFL team will give the former Offensive Rookie of the Year the opportunity to rewrite the narrative.

There are several quarterback-needy teams out there, but which teams are in the mix for his services? Who needs a dual-threat dynamo with the ability to create havoc for opposing defenses?

Here are Murray’s most likely landing spots.

Minnesota Vikings

J.J. McCarthy isn’t it. At least, not yet. Everybody knows it, including the Vikings, who are rumoured to want a veteran to “shock J.J.”

Adding Murray would not only light a fire under McCarthy, but also give the Vikings - a team that was a competent quarterback away from competing at a much higher level last year - the chance to hang with the Bears, Packers and Lions in the NFC North.

Murray would surely be open to the idea of suiting up for the team he once supported.

Minnesota’s $6.7 million cap deficit might seem like a barrier, but Murray is still owed $36.8 million in guarantees from Arizona, meaning he could realistically sign a one-year minimum deal.

Pittsburgh Steelers

This landing spot only becomes likely if Aaron Rodgers decides to retire and informs the Steelers before Murray signs elsewhere.

If Rodgers walks away, and given that players such as T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward are in the twilight of their careers, you would expect Pittsburgh to act decisively to keep their postseason hopes alive.

The Steelers are reportedly keen on Murray.

If not Murray, who, among the available free agent quarterbacks, keeps Pittsburgh's window open?

Daniel Jones would be expensive after receiving the transition tag.

Mac Jones is an option via a trade, but the asking price the 49ers are reported to want - a first-round pick - might be too steep.

Joe Flacco's name has been thrown around, but he would be a clear downgrade from Rodgers.

There are several options there, but few compare to what Murray offers. Time is ticking, and once again, Rodgers' delayed decision on retirement leaves a team in limbo.