Kyler Murray: Everything you need to know

The Vikings signed Murray to a one-year contract Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. With Murray set to collect $36.8 million from the Cardinals in 2026 following his release from the team, Murray will earn the veteran league minimum from the Vikings, according to Schefter. The contract also contains a no-tag clause for next offseason, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Minnesota was always viewed as the likely landing spot for Murray, and he'll now be considered the slight favorite to win the QB1 job over J.J. McCarthy, though this will be one of the more fascinating position battles of the summer. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2019 followed by back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2020 and 2021, Murray's career was somewhat derailed by injuries and poor play. A fresh start appeared to be necessary, and he'll now have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal should he win the job over McCarthy.

Murray will visit the Vikings on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. As Schefter notes, the belief across the league is that Murray's likely landing spot is Minnesota after he was officially released by the Cardinals earlier Wednesday. The Vikings are an ideal landing spot after J.J. McCarthy struggled to an 11:12 TD:INT and 58 percent completion percentage across 10 starts in his first season as a starter in 2025. On top of the struggles on the field, McCarthy was unable to stay healthy when on it. Murray likely sees Minnesota as one of his better chances to claim a starting job.

The Cardinals released Murray (foot) on Wednesday. Murray's release has been widely anticipated and makes him one of the top available free agents on the open market, especially considering the fact that the $36.8 million in guarantees still owed to the 28-year-old quarterback make it reasonable for him to sign a one-year, league minimum deal with his next team. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the Vikings are the current favorites as Murray's landing spot, but that the quarterback wishes to explore his options as a free agent. A foot sprain caused Murray to miss the final 12 games of 2025, but there have been no indications that the issue will have any impact on his offseason activities. Meanwhile, Arizona has added Gardner Minshew to a QB room still led by potential 2026 incumbent starter Jacoby Brissett.