The Minnesota Vikings have officially brought quarterback Kyler Murray into their ranks for the upcoming season. This move comes as part of an intriguing offseason strategy aimed at bolstering their quarterback options.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Murray has inked a one-year deal with the Vikings. This decision follows his release from the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent seven seasons after being the top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Pelissero shared, “Kyler Murray, a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, has signed a one-year contract with the Vikings, as confirmed by his agent Erik Burkhardt. The agreement includes a no-tag clause, with Murray set to earn $36.8 million this season. Arizona will cover all but the minimum salary.”
With Murray on board, the Vikings are gearing up for a competitive battle between him and JJ McCarthy for the starting quarterback position as the 2026 NFL season approaches.
Murray's tenure with the Cardinals was a rollercoaster of achievements and challenges. He made an immediate impact by winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 and securing Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021, even leading Arizona to the playoffs in 2021. However, injuries and inconsistent performances marred his later years, with 2025 being particularly tough due to a season-ending injury that saw Jacoby Brissett stepping in as the starter.
During his time in Arizona, Murray started 87 games, posting a 38-48-1 record. He completed 1,974 passes for 20,460 yards, throwing 121 touchdowns against 60 interceptions. On the ground, he added 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns from 532 rushes.
The Vikings are in a phase of retooling, aiming for a resurgence in 2026. After a playoff appearance with Sam Darnold in 2024, they faced a setback last season, finishing 9-8 and missing the postseason under McCarthy's leadership. The team is hopeful that McCarthy will elevate his game while Murray provides the spark needed to address their offensive challenges in this pivotal year.