The Minnesota Vikings‘ plans at quarterback, a topic of considerable speculation and discussion across the NFL in recent weeks, have just been definitively revealed — and the news isn’t great for incumbent starter JJ McCarthy.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed that the Vikings are taking a hard run at adding Kyler Murray to the roster following his release from the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, March 11.
“The #Vikings plan to make a push for Kyler Murray and are the favorite to land the former No. 1 pick, sources tell me and @TomPelissero,” Rapoport posted to X. “Finally released now by Arizona, Murray will take his time and wants to hear directly from other teams. But Minnesota is the team to beat.”
ESPN’s Louis Riddick said outright on Wednesday that should Murray land with the Vikings, the McCarthy era in Minnesota is over.
“It’s over for JJ [McCarthy],” Riddick said. “I know [Minnesota] moved up to 10 to pick him. It’s going to be time to move on from him.”
Steelers Potentially Biggest Threat to Vikings’ Acquisition of Kyler Murray
GettyQuarterback Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals.
Minnesota’s most dangerous competition for Murray at a glance appears to be the Pittsburgh Steelers. They are a franchise with a longstanding history of success, a defending division champion and indicated clearly their intention to win in 2026 by hiring Mike McCarthy as the next head coach rather than a younger candidate who could grow into the job through a roster rebuild.
Reports have connected the Steelers to both a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers heading into his age-43 season and interest in Kirk Cousins, whom the Atlanta Falcons released Wednesday as he approaches his age-38 campaign.
Murray is a reasonable bet to regain the Pro-Bowl form of his early NFL career, as he will play the upcoming season at age 29. He started just five games last year before the team shut him down due to a foot injury with the intent of preserving his value for a trade that never materialized.
Vikings’ Offensive System, Roster May Seal Deal With QB Kyler Murray
GettyMinnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Although the chances of a trade for Murray were low over the first two days of free agency, the last-minute move the New York Jets made to land Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders raised questions about whether some team might make the same kind of expensive play to secure Murray before he hit the open market.
With that threat now past, and Murray likely to sign a one-year agreement for the veterans league minimum of $1.3 million wherever he goes (as the Cardinals will pay the balance of the $36 million they owe Murray in 2026 regardless), the competition for the QB’s services will come down to the roster talent and winning prospects that teams can offer him.
Pittsburgh is a reasonable threat there, with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. leading the wide receivers room and Pat Freiermuth set to start at tight end.
The Vikings’ offensive treasure trove of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson is still likely to look a little better to Murray, and the promise of playing under head coach Kevin O’Connell could end up sealing the deal.
JJ McCarthy Gets Bad News as Vikings’ Definitive QB Plans Revealed