Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to be cut before the 2026 NFL season, and insiders said his next move could come quickly as the veteran QB market flips
18:43 ET, 01 Mar 2026
Kyler Murray stands on the sidelines during an NFL game
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to be cut, with interest from the Minnesota Vikings
Two-time NFL Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray's exit door in Arizona is nearing following seven years with the organization, but a new team already appears to be waiting for the Cardinals to release their 2019 NFL Draft investment.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said at the 2026 NFL Combine that the league is headed toward an unusually cheap quarterback marketplace. Several "starting caliber" veterans are potentially available for minimal cost, including Kirk Cousins and Tua Tagovailoa.
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On the same note, Rapoport placed Murray and Tagovailoa in the category of players most likely to be released from their teams, suggesting the Cardinals could move on unless a late trade materializes in a scenario that would surprise insiders.
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While the Cardinals imply Murray was their issue, the NFLPA report card leak saw the Cardinals rank 31st out of 32, with F grades for its locker room and team ownership.
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The Cardinals owe Murray $36.8 million guaranteed for 2026, with a $17 million roster bonus due before mid-March. Teams might decide to choose between a mid-tier trade target like Mac Jones, a pricey veteran like Cousins, or a former franchise QB like Murray or Tua Tagovailoa on a bargain "prove-it" deal.
"It's really going to be a discussion of value," Rapoport said. "I think it starts next week." If Murray enters free agency, the Minnesota Vikings are considered an early potential destination.
While Minnesota continues to develop J.J. McCarthy, the young QB still faces injury setbacks and is currently out with a hairline fracture in his right hand.
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McCarthy started 10 games last season after completely missing his rookie year, but the Vikings are expected to add veteran competition before handing him the keys to the organization. Names outside of Murray expected to challenge McCarthy include Spencer Rattler (New Orleans Saints), Mac Jones (San Francisco 49ers), and Drew Lock (Seattle Seahawks).
Murray is still a former No. 1 overall pick, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, and one of the league's rare quarterback runners who can hurt defenses with his legs when healthy.
Yet his 2025 season in Arizona ended with him being benched for Jacobby Brissett, following underwhelming numbers that saw drops in yards per pass attempt, completion percentage, and single-digit touchdowns for the first time in his NFL career.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon speaks to quarterback Kyler Murray
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Jonathan Gannon benched Murray in favor of Jacoby Brissett last season(Image: Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Further reports have indicated that the interest between the Vikings and Murray is mutual. Market-trend prediction websites list the Vikings as the top-likely destination for Murray, followed by the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Jets.
The Vikings possess elite receiving weapons in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, with Jalen Nailor and Tai Felton still serving as depth to one of the league's best pass-catching units.
Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell is known for tailoring his team's offenses to a young QB's strengths, and has improved the careers of Cousins, Josh Dobbs, Carson Wentz, and Super Bowl LX winner Sam Darnold.