Kyler Murray’s tenure with the Arizona Cardinals has officially ended after the team released him at the start of the new NFL league year on Wednesday. The former No. 1 overall pick is now a free agent eligible to negotiate with any team for the 2026 season and beyond. Among potential suitors, the Minnesota Vikings have quickly emerged as the “overwhelming favorite” to sign Murray, according to ESPN. This is notable given that the Vikings already have 2024 first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is entering his third NFL season.
McCarthy missed his rookie year due to a preseason injury and saw his first significant action in 2025. Despite showing flashes of talent, McCarthy struggled in the regular season, finishing with a 6-4 record in 10 games while battling additional injuries.
His development remains a question mark, and the Vikings appear to be looking for an experienced quarterback to provide stability while McCarthy continues to grow under head coach Kevin O’Connell’s guidance. Murray’s availability provides a potential immediate solution, offering veteran leadership and proven NFL experience.
Kyler Murray Reflects on Arizona Career, Ready for Next Chapter in NFL Journey
During his seven-year stint in Arizona, Murray’s career was marked by highs and lows, finishing 38-48-1 in 87 games. Injuries and inconsistent performances frequently interrupted his momentum, despite flashes of the elite talent that made him a top draft pick. Last season, he played five games, posting six touchdowns against three interceptions before a foot injury sidelined him
Kyler Murray Becomes Free Agent, Poised to Join Vikings and Mentor Young QuarterbackBackup Jacoby Brissett, who had signed a two-year deal last offseason, took over and thrived statistically, throwing for a career-high 3,366 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, though the Cardinals finished 3-14 overall. The disappointing season led to the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon, with Mike LaFleur, formerly the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator, named as the new head coach.
Murray expressed gratitude and reflected on his time in Arizona in a social media post last week, apologizing to fans and acknowledging the challenges he faced. Despite the setbacks, Murray remains confident about his future, emphasizing his work ethic and readiness to compete at a high level. The quarterback is still owed $36.8 million in guaranteed money from the five-year, $230.5 million extension he signed in 2022, which underscores the Cardinals’ financial commitment even as they moved in a new direction.
Kyler Murray Leaves Cardinals, Eyes Minnesota Opportunity to Lead, Mentor, and Compete
In his early years, Murray was seen as a franchise cornerstone, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021. He showcased his dual-threat ability, throwing for 3,787 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2021 while adding 423 rushing yards and five scores. Injuries, including a torn ACL in 2022 and a foot injury in 2025, disrupted what could have been a more consistent trajectory.
As Murray enters free agency, several quarterback-needy teams have already addressed their roster needs, including the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain without a confirmed starter for 2026, pending Aaron Rodgers’ future decisions. For Murray, Minnesota appears to be the most viable opportunity to start immediately, bring veteran experience, and potentially compete for a playoff run while mentoring McCarthy for the long term.
Murray’s departure from Arizona marks the end of a turbulent but memorable chapter in his career, opening the door for a fresh start with a team eager for quarterback leadership and postseason aspirations.
