The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant move this offseason by bringing in quarterback Kyler Murray. This decision adds an intriguing layer to their roster dynamics.
Murray's one-year agreement with the Vikings was confirmed on Thursday evening, following his release from the Arizona Cardinals after a seven-year tenure. Drafted first overall by Arizona in 2019, Murray's journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows.
As reported by NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Murray's contract with the Vikings includes a no-tag clause, ensuring some freedom for the quarterback. He'll earn $36.8 million this season, with the Cardinals covering all but the minimum salary.
This move sets the stage for a fascinating quarterback competition in Minnesota between JJ McCarthy and Murray as they gear up for the 2026 NFL season.
Murray's time with the Cardinals was marked by both promise and setbacks. He burst onto the scene, claiming the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2019 and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2021.
His leadership helped push Arizona into the playoffs in 2021. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued his later years, culminating in a challenging 2025 season where a season-ending injury saw Jacoby Brissett step in as the starter.
During his stint in Arizona, Murray started 87 games, posting a 38-48-1 record. He completed 1,974 passes for 20,460 yards, with 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions. His dual-threat capability was evident with 532 rushes for 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns.
The Vikings are in the midst of a retooling phase, aiming for a bounce-back in 2026. After a playoff appearance in 2024 with Sam Darnold, they slipped to a 9-8 record last season under McCarthy, narrowly missing the playoffs.
As Minnesota looks to the future, they'll be hoping McCarthy takes a leap forward while seeing if Murray can bring the spark they need in his year with the team.