Kyler Murray
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Is the 2025 season a make or break year for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray?
The Minnesota Vikings are going to have a free run at Kyler Murray if they want him next week.
The Arizona Cardinals announced that they will be releasing Murray next Wednesday, barring a trade manifesting. That is unlikely to happen, unless another team really loves him and wants to jump Minnesota.
The Vikings are obviously the most attractive destination for a free agent QB. It’s almost as if they will have their picking of whoever they want to come in and compete with J.J. McCarthy.
However, not everyone loves the fit of Kyler Murray in the Kevin O’Connell offense. One of those in former NFL QB and current ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky.
Orlovsky Claims Kyler Murray Is Not A Fit For The Vikings
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray takes the field against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on after losing to the Minnesota Vikings 23-22 at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
On an episode of Get Up on ESPN, Orlovsky had a strong take about the fit of Kyler Murray’s fit in Minnesota.
“I only like it. I do not love it. If I were Minnesota, my number one goal is to trade for Mac Jones, number two would be Aaron Rodgers and then I would entertain Kyler…in Kyler’s words, ‘I want to be a playmaker’. That’s not the role of the QB in this offense. In this offense, [the QB is a] point guard.”
There’s no denying that Kyler Murray wouldn’t be fun in the Vikings’ offense. The hypotheticals of his talents being at the hands of Kevin O’Connell and throwing to Justin Jefferson is the stuff of daydreams.
It only helps that the Vikings won’t really have to pay Murray anything if he is released by Arizona.
Cardinals to Release QB Kyler Murray; Next Team Won’t Have To Worry About Money
Minnesota Vikings Kyler Murray
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 28: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Adam Schefter broke the news on X.
“Sources: Cardinals have informed QB Kyler Murray that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade between now and then.
Arizona already owes him $36.8M guaranteed in 2026, and another $19.5M would have triggered on March 15 for 2027. He now will be moving on.”
This was an expected move, but now it means Minnesota may not have to actually trade for Murray. The release also opens up the possibility of the Vikings signing Murray at a heavily discounted rate.
Whoever signs Murray will be able to do so for the league minimum. This is similar to when Russell Wilson signed with the Steelers after being release from the Broncos.
Murray Bids Farewell to Arizona
Kyler Murray sent out a social media post bidding farewell to the Cardinals and their fans.
“To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us.
I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best. I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it. Godspeed.”