Kyler Murray-to-Minnesota? Why the Vikings Could Be a Natural Fit if the Cardinals Move On
The Minnesota Vikings are staring down yet another offseason with a familiar question hanging over the franchise: who’s going to be under center in 2026? With uncertainty still swirling around JJ McCarthy’s readiness to take the reins, the search for a quarterback upgrade remains front and center. And as the carousel starts spinning, one name is gaining serious traction: Kyler Murray.
Yes, that Kyler Murray - former No. 1 overall pick, Rookie of the Year, two-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most electrifying dual-threat quarterbacks in the league when healthy and dialed in.
Why Murray Makes Sense for Minnesota
NFL insider Albert Breer recently joined Colin Cowherd to discuss Murray’s future, and he didn’t hesitate to connect the dots between the dynamic quarterback and the Vikings. Breer pointed to Minnesota’s recent track record of giving quarterbacks a second wind - citing how the team squeezed quality play out of Sam Darnold and gave Daniel Jones a soft landing spot after his Giants tenure hit turbulence.
“The Minnesota Vikings brought in Sam Darnold and got a great year out of him,” Breer said. “They brought in Daniel Jones, sort of revived his stock just having him there as a backup… When I look at Kyler, it would be a landing spot like that.”
But there’s a key difference here: Murray’s résumé is on another level. He’s not a reclamation project in the traditional sense.
He’s a proven NFL starter with real accolades and elite-level talent. Sure, there have been questions about his leadership and durability, but the numbers don’t lie.
Through 87 career games, Murray has completed 67.1% of his passes, thrown for over 20,000 yards, and notched 121 touchdowns to just 60 interceptions. That’s not just serviceable - that’s franchise quarterback production.
The Justin Jefferson Factor
Let’s be honest: the Vikings can’t afford to waste another prime season of Justin Jefferson. The All-Pro wideout remains one of the most dangerous weapons in football, and pairing him with a quarterback who can extend plays, push the ball downfield, and draw defenders with his legs could be the missing piece Minnesota’s offense needs.
Murray, at his best, opens up the playbook in ways few quarterbacks can. His mobility forces defenses to account for every inch of the field, and when he’s locked in, he’s capable of putting together game-changing drives. That kind of upside is hard to ignore - especially for a team that’s been stuck in quarterback limbo.
The Contract Complication
Of course, talent isn’t the only consideration here. The financials are where things get tricky.
Murray is currently slated to carry a cap hit of $52.6 million in 2026, with a dead cap penalty sitting at $54.7 million. That’s a massive number, especially for a Vikings team that’s already projected to be more than $40 million over the cap.
Breer acknowledged the financial hurdles, noting that Murray is guaranteed $36.8 million this year and another $19.5 million next season. That kind of guaranteed money makes a trade difficult - for both Arizona and any team looking to acquire him.
“I think it probably makes it more likely that Arizona just has to flat out move off of him and cut him and let him go to the market,” Breer said.
If that happens, the calculus changes entirely. A release would give Murray a clean slate and allow teams like Minnesota to negotiate a fresh deal - one that better aligns with their current cap situation. And at that point, the Vikings could become one of the most attractive landing spots on the market.
What’s Next?
Everything hinges on what the Cardinals decide to do. If they choose to cut ties with Murray, the Vikings could be in prime position to pounce. The fit is there - both in terms of scheme and opportunity - and the need is undeniable.
For Minnesota, this offseason is about more than just finding a quarterback. It’s about sending a message to the locker room and the fanbase that they’re serious about contending. Adding a talent like Kyler Murray would do exactly that.
The Vikings have seen what life without a top-tier quarterback looks like. If the opportunity presents itself, they may not want to wait around to see what another year of uncertainty brings.