The Minnesota Vikings appear to be the clear favorite to land quarterback Kyler Murray after the Arizona Cardinals officially released the former No. 1 overall pick at the start of the new NFL league year.
Multiple league insiders, including Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport, Adam Schefter, and Dianna Russini, have all linked Minnesota as the most likely destination for the veteran quarterback as he enters free agency.
Arizona still owes the 28-year-old quarterback $36.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026, which means any new team can sign him at a dramatically reduced cost.
That financial setup makes the Vikings’ interest particularly logical as they look to add an experienced option at quarterback.
Vikings Emerging as Favorites to Sign Kyler Murray
Insiders across the league have consistently pointed to the Minnesota Vikings as the team to beat.
Reports indicate Murray is expected to visit the team’s facility and could sign a short-term deal once discussions progress.
The Arizona Cardinals officially have released QB Kyler Murray.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2026
With Murray now free, the Minnesota Vikings are considered the overwhelming favorite to sign him.
In the words of one source: “I’d be shocked if he’s not a Viking.” pic.twitter.com/yKBs6dNj0P
Minnesota already has J.J. McCarthy on the roster, but the team has been searching for a veteran quarterback presence to stabilize the position.
McCarthy missed his rookie season due to injury and posted inconsistent results in limited action last year, creating an opening for a more established quarterback to step into the offense.
Murray could provide that stability. The former 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler brings a dynamic skill set that fits well with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system and a supporting cast that includes star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Kyler Murray’s Contract Situation Makes Vikings Fit Logical
Because the Arizona Cardinals remain responsible for most of his guaranteed money, Murray's next team is expected to sign him to a one-year deal near the veteran minimum.
That structure dramatically lowers the risk for Minnesota. Instead of committing massive money to a quarterback, the Vikings could add a former No. 1 overall pick with over 20,000 career passing yards and more than 150 total touchdowns at a fraction of the usual cost.
"It's over. It's over for J.J. [McCarthy]. ... I know [Minnesota] moved up to 10 to pick him, it's going to be time to move on from him."
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 11, 2026
—@LRiddickESPN on J.J. McCarthy if Kyler Murray signs with the Vikings 👀 pic.twitter.com/x0vKRJtFnB
Despite an injury-shortened 2025 season in which Murray played only five games, his long-term production remains impressive.
Over his career, he has thrown for 19,849 yards with 123 touchdown passes, while also adding 2,875 rushing yards and 39 rushing touchdowns as one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks.
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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