Kyler Murray landing in Minnesota is no longer just a rumor. The former Arizona Cardinals quarterback signed with the Vikings on Thursday, the team announced. The former No. 1 pick will get his opportunity to find success in a new home following a rocky finish to his time in the desert.
Murray was officially released by the Cardinals on Wednesday following a previous decision informing him of the move. The seven-year NFL veteran emerged as the top available quarterback when he and Arizona parted ways. Minnesota has been the clear favorite in recent days.
He reportedly met with the Vikings right away Wednesday before inking his deal with the franchise.
It is a no-lose deal for the Vikings who are expected to bring Murray in on a minimum deal worth $1.3 million. The Cardinals are on the hook for $36.8 million dedicated to Murray based on his previous contract with the team. That number would have ballooned another $19.5 million had he not been released by March 16.
Murray signed his deal with a no-tag clause clearing the path to enter free agency again in 2027.
“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 said on March 3. “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.”
Intriguing QB Battle Brewing In Minnesota With Kyler Murray In The Mix
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Murray will be brought in to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in Minnesota. McCarthy battled his own injury issues in 2025 resulting in just 10 appearances.
It makes it all the more intriguing of a competition with Murray being given the opportunity to prove that he’s capable of still being a top-tier playmaker. The 2019 No. 1 pick played in just five games last season because of a foot injury. Murray also had a torn ACL that impacted his 2022 and 2023 seasons.
However, he has the proven production McCarthy lacks. Murray has passed for 20,460 yards and 121 touchdowns in his career. He is also a playmaker with his feet compiling 3,193 yards on the ground and 32 rushing scores over seven seasons.
There have been questions about his work ethic (Murray famously had an “independent study” clause in his contract with the Cardinals for a time). Yet, when healthy, he has the ability to be a highly productive NFL quarterback.
Murray has passed for over 3,700 yards in four of his seven seasons. He has also reached the 20-touchdown mark four times as well.
Proving he has the tools — plus focus and health — to sustain success will bode well for Murray’s future and potentially that of the Vikings as well. McCarthy has already missed one full season and a significant portion of another. The former No. 10 overall pick has more career interceptions than touchdowns.
He could be very well be playing for his future in Minnesota when the team steps on the field in training camp. There are rarely true quarterback competitions in the NFL making the situation with the Vikings an interesting one.
The Fit For Murray In Kevin O’Connell’s Offense
Murray could not have asked for a better situation when assessing the potential options. Minnesota will be two years removed from a 14-3 campaign by the time he takes the field. Many of the key parts from that team remain in place for the Vikings.
Elite receiver Justin Jefferson sits at the top of the list. Jefferson finished top 15 in the league with 84 catches and 1,048 yards despite the instability at quarterback in 2025. Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson are two other potent weapons in O’Connell’s offense.
Minnesota also reworked its contract with running back Aaron Jones to keep him in the mix for 2026. The components are there for the Vikings and Murray to have a successful offense.
One question that remains is how the new Minnesota quarterback fits into O’Connell’s scheme. The opportunity to sign a quarterback used to sitting in the pocket was there for the Vikings. Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers are the other top available signal callers.
Still, Minnesota targeted Murray who has a knack for making plays outside the pocket and with his feet. Murray indicated Thursday that he has built a relationship with his new head coach that goes back years.
O’Connell’s system has not operated with the type of skill set Murray possesses. His quarterbacks have worked under center while Murray has worked quite often from the shotgun. Fine tuning the offense around Murray will be part of the offseason work for Minnesota’s head coach and staff.
Murray has not lived up to the hype of a No. 1 pick, but he will have every chance to do so in his second act with the Vikings.
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