The Minnesota Vikings might continue a concerning quarterback trend.
Kirk Cousins was QB1 in 2023, but he signed with the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024, so the Vikings pivoted and signed Sam Darnold. Darnold led Minnesota to a 14-3 record, so he became too expensive in free agency; he signed with the Seattle Seahawks last spring and won Super Bowl LX this February. That left J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings’ No. 10 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, and the 23-year-old struggled to stay healthy and run the offense.
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis recently reported that the Vikings have concerns about McCarthy moving forward, which could mean Minnesota has its fourth starting quarterback in as many seasons in 2026.
“All eyes are on Kyler Murray as we approach the legal negotiating period,” ESPN’s Ben Solak wrote on Monday morning.
“While Murray cannot officially become a free agent until he is released by the Cardinals on March 11, the teams that are in - or out - on the free agent quarterback class will give us a clue as to Murray’s landing spot. Remember: Murray will play for the veteran minimum (about $1.3 million) with whatever team that signs him, so money isn’t an issue. It’s all about fit and opportunity, and the Minnesota Vikings are the expected leader in the clubhouse.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last week that the Arizona Cardinals had informed Murray of his impending release when the NFL’s new league year begins on Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST. At the time, ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss reported, “Murray preferred to be released, a source told ESPN. With him probably hitting free agency next week, Murray has two teams he would like to join, the source said, though the names of the teams were not provided.”
The Cardinals drafted Murray No. 1 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. The 28-year-old leaves the Cardinals with the third-most passing yards (20,460) and third-most passing touchdowns (121) in franchise history. Last season, a nagging foot injury limited Murray to five games.
Murray’s ability to sign for the league minimum matters to Minnesota. The Vikings have already reportedly informed running back Aaron Jones Sr., defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen of their impending releases due to salary cap constraints.
Lewis has also reported that Minnesota is “open” to trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.
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