With the legal tampering window and free agency set to begin, the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback situation has become one of the bigger talking points across the league. For weeks, the speculation has centered on who might join the roster to either replace or compete with J.J. McCarthy.
Names like Kirk Cousins and Anthony Richardson have come up in various reports and league conversations. But as the market inches closer to opening, one quarterback has separated himself from the pack.
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Kyler Murray has emerged as the clear frontrunner, with growing league chatter suggesting his landing in Minnesota feels more likely by the day. If that deal does not come together, Geno Smith appears to be the fallback option most insiders believe the Vikings would pursue.
Murray remains under contract with the Arizona Cardinals until the new league year officially begins on Wednesday.
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warming up before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Once that happens, the Vikings have positioned themselves as the favorites to sign the former No. 1 overall pick, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
“If you’re Kyler and his agent, it makes a lot of sense to take advantage of this,” Pelissero said. “He’s never been a free agent before. He’s not interfaced with a lot of teams and executives since he selected in the draft back in 2019 and for Kyler, who’s going to be a free agent in 2027 after taking a one-year minimum deal this year it makes sense … to take his time and explore his options here before deciding to take the next important step in his career.”
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Why Kyler Murray expected to sign veteran minimum deal
The connection between Murray and Minnesota has been discussed since Arizona informed him of his impending release. Pelissero also pointed out that Murray is still expected to generate interest from multiple teams once he officially hits the open market.
Murray is still owed $36.8 million in guaranteed money from Arizona for 2026, which should influence how his next contract plays out. Given that financial cushion, the expectation around the league is that he signs a one-year minimum deal with his next team.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looks on from the field before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
That approach mirrors what Russell Wilson did in 2024, when he signed a minimum contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being released by the Denver Broncos.
If Minnesota does land him, the situation sets up well for a potential career resurgence. He would be throwing to Justin Jefferson, one of the league’s premier receivers, and working under Kevin O’Connell, who has already guided strong campaigns from Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold while also getting solid stretches from Josh Dobbs.
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