Kyler Murray Signs One-Year Deal with Minnesota Vikings

Kyler Murray, a free agent quarterback, has signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. The agreement, which includes a no-tag clause, was finalized following his official release by the Arizona Cardinals. Murray's contract is for the veteran's minimum salary, with the Cardinals responsible for covering the majority of his previously due 2026 salary.

Agreement Details

Murray's one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings includes a no-tag clause. This provision allows him to enter unrestricted free agency in the next offseason, should an extension with the Vikings not be reached. The contract is set at the veteran's minimum salary.

The Arizona Cardinals will pay $35.5 million of the $36.8 million Murray was previously owed for 2026, fulfilling the majority of his salary obligations.

Path to Minnesota

Murray was released by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, March 13, at 4 p.m. ET, marking the beginning of the new league year. News of the Cardinals' intention to release him had become public on March 3. The Vikings had been identified as a potential destination for Murray, and he was scheduled to visit the team on Thursday.

His agent, Erik Burkhardt, confirmed the visit and also indicated that Murray intended to hold Zoom meetings with executives from three to five NFL teams that may have a quarterback vacancy in 2027. These teams reportedly included the Jets, Steelers, Browns, Falcons, and Rams. These discussions were intended to prepare for his 2027 free agency options.

Reports from the previous season indicated Murray's interest in the Vikings around the trade deadline.

Departure from Arizona

Kyler Murray, the first overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, spent seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Reports indicated that the Cardinals' decision to release Murray stemmed from internal frustration, and his representatives had also reportedly sought his release.

During his tenure with the Cardinals, Murray achieved a 38-48-1 record as a starter. He received Rookie of the Year honors in 2019 and was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2021. He surpassed 3,000 passing yards four times in his career. His sole playoff appearance with the Cardinals was a wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.

In the previous season, Murray participated in five games due to a foot injury sustained against the Tennessee Titans, which ultimately led to his placement on injured reserve. In those five appearances, he recorded 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, with the team holding a 2-3 record in games he started. During his absence, backup Jacoby Brissett performed. The Cardinals finished the season with a 3-14 record and subsequently dismissed head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Future with the Vikings

Murray, 28, is expected to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback role for the Vikings. McCarthy's initial season as a starter in 2025 reportedly included challenges.

Free Agent Context

Prior to signing with the Vikings, Murray was ranked No. 40 on The Athletic's list of the top 150 free agents for 2026, positioning him as the third-best quarterback available on that list. Greg Auman's top 100 free agents list ranked Murray as the fourth-highest quarterback and 20th overall.

His situation, being released from a large contract with guaranteed salary remaining and then signing for a league minimum, has been compared to that of Russell Wilson.

Murray's passer rating ranked 24th among 65 quarterbacks with 200 or more passes since the start of 2023.