Kyler Murray’s time in Arizona looks like it’s winding down, and not with the kind of ending anyone envisioned. The former No. 1 overall pick is set to miss the remainder of the season due to a lingering foot injury that’s kept him sidelined since early October. And while the Cardinals haven’t officially closed the door on his future in the desert, the signs are hard to ignore.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon kept things respectful when asked about Murray’s situation, saying, “I just feel bad for the quarterback. He got hurt, and he wasn’t healthy enough to play.
So I mean, that’s first and foremost. That’s where I would leave it right now.”
It’s a measured response, but one that underscores the reality: Murray’s absence isn’t just about health-it’s also about what comes next.
Through five games this season, Murray put up 962 passing yards, 173 rushing yards, and accounted for seven total touchdowns. Not bad, but not the kind of production that locks down a future-especially when you factor in the contract situation.
Murray is signed through 2027, but the financial structure of that deal makes things complicated. He’s owed $36.8 million in fully guaranteed salary and bonuses for 2026, and if he’s still on the roster five days into the new league year in March, another $19.5 million for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed.
That kind of money usually means job security. But in this case, it might mean the opposite.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the combination of Murray’s injury, his uneven play before going down, and the way veteran Jacoby Brissett has managed the offense in his absence could be enough to push Arizona toward a reset. “The writing feels like it’s on the wall for Murray in Arizona,” Graziano noted.
Around the league, that sentiment is gaining traction.
And if Murray is on the move? Fans already have a destination in mind: Minnesota.
The Vikings haven’t found their answer at quarterback this season. JJ McCarthy’s rookie campaign has been rocky, and the fanbase isn’t exactly sold on him being the long-term guy. That’s opened the door for speculation-and excitement-about what a player like Murray could bring to the Twin Cities.
Social media has lit up with Vikings fans openly campaigning for Murray. One fan tweeted, “I speak for ALL Vikings fans when I say: We want Kyler Murray as our starting QB going forward.”
Another added, “I’ve kind of changed my thoughts on Kyler Murray, I wouldn’t be against the Vikings going after him if McCarthy continues to look worse to end the season.” And there’s no shortage of bold predictions either: “It’s going to feel weird seeing Kyler Murray be a top 5 QB for the Vikings next year,” one post read.
Whether Minnesota’s front office shares that vision is another story. But there’s no denying the fit is intriguing. Murray, when healthy, brings dynamic mobility, a quick release, and a playmaking flair that could thrive in Kevin O’Connell’s system-especially with weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the outside.
Of course, any potential move would come with risk. Murray hasn’t played a full season since 2021, and his style of play invites contact that raises long-term durability questions.
But sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what a talented player needs to get back on track. And for a Vikings team that’s still searching for its next franchise quarterback, the upside might be worth the gamble.
For now, it’s all just speculation. But the buzz is real, and the clock is ticking in Arizona. If Murray is indeed on his way out, don’t be surprised if Minnesota is one of the first teams to pick up the phone.