Kyler Murray is set for a fresh start with the Minnesota Vikings. After being released by the Arizona Cardinals, Murray inked a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum, while still pocketing over $35.5 million from his former team. This move places him in the company of quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Geno Smith, and Baker Mayfield, who found success after relocating.
Murray leaves behind the Cardinals, a franchise with a challenging history, for the Vikings, who boast a strong regular-season record but have yet to claim a Super Bowl title. In Minnesota, he'll compete with 2024 first-rounder J.J.
McCarthy, who has struggled with injuries and accuracy. Head coach Kevin O'Connell, who helped Darnold thrive in 2024, hopes Murray will either shine in his new role or motivate McCarthy to elevate his game.
The Vikings' decision to sign Murray for one year at $1.3 million is intriguing. Murray's potential remains high among available quarterbacks this year.
During his Pro Bowl seasons in 2021 and 2022, he led Arizona to a 17-13 record, ranking 16th in adjusted expected points added per dropback, sandwiched between Lamar Jackson and Jared Goff. He averaged nearly 4,400 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions per season, adding over 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.
However, injuries have limited Murray's appearances to just 41 games over the past four seasons, and his deep passing game has faltered. While some of this can be attributed to his supporting cast, Jacoby Brissett managed to elevate Michael Wilson's performance in Arizona during 2025, even if it was in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Despite these setbacks, Murray still possesses the raw talent that made him the top pick in 2019. While he may not run as much as he did in his early years, his elusiveness and ability to extend plays with his legs remain assets. He excels at short-range passes and has the arm strength to potentially resurrect his deep game.
Consider the case of Sam Darnold, who improved his deep throw accuracy significantly with the Vikings, thanks in part to the presence of targets like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Minnesota provides a supportive environment for quarterbacks looking to revitalize their careers. While McCarthy hasn't yet capitalized on this, Murray has the potential to make a more significant impact than he did in Arizona, even without drastic improvements to his game.
This partnership seems beneficial for both Murray and the Vikings. Murray gets a chance to rebuild his value with a team and coach experienced in quarterback reclamation. Meanwhile, the Vikings secure a reliable backup plan for McCarthy, whose performance ranked low among quarterbacks with at least 100 snaps in 2025.
If things don't pan out, Minnesota incurs minimal risk and gains a seasoned backup. If it does work, the Vikings can avoid past mistakes and invest in Murray's potential long-term.
Grade: A