The Arizona Cardinals made it official on Wednesday. At exactly 4:00 p.m. ET, the moment the 2026 league year opened, the organization released Kyler Murray, the dual-threat quarterback they selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Murray departs after seven seasons, 87 starts, and a 38-48-1 career record in the desert. Now free, the attention shifts quickly to his next stop. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that the Minnesota Vikings are viewed as the overwhelming favorite to sign him, with one league source saying, “I’d be shocked if he’s not a Viking.”
Murray’s Contract Situation Makes Minnesota a Uniquely Attractive Landing Spot
Kyler Murray Colts
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) on the side line against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The financial setup behind this move is unlike most free-agent signings. Arizona still owes Murray $36.8 million in guaranteed money for 2026, which means a new team can sign him to a one-year deal at or near the veteran-minimum rate, roughly $1.3 million, with the Cardinals absorbing the remaining balance.
The Arizona Cardinals officially have released QB Kyler Murray.
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
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2026
For Minnesota, that structure removes virtually all financial risk. The Vikings get a quarterback with starting experience without committing meaningful cap space.
Per Ian Rapoport, Minnesota had already emerged as the frontrunner shortly after Arizona informed Murray he would be released. Vikings executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski confirmed at the NFL Combine that the organization was actively exploring all opportunities to add quarterback help.
Murray himself preferred to be released rather than traded, a source told ESPN, wanting full control over his destination instead of being sent somewhere without a say.
He goes to his new team with something to prove. In 2025, Murray played just five games due to a right foot injury before landing on injured reserve in early November. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona’s veteran backup, took over and threw for a career-high 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns, though the Cardinals still finished 4-13 and missed the playoffs for a fourth straight year.
On social media, Murray posted a farewell addressed to Cardinals fans. In his own words on X:
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Second-Year Vikings Quarterback J.J. McCarthy Now Faces a Real Fight for His Job
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches his team from the sidelines as they play the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Minnesota’s internal quarterback situation is the reason Murray’s arrival makes sense. Second-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft out of the University of Michigan, started just 10 games in 2025.
He completed 57.6% of his passes, threw 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, and posted a 72.6 passer rating. Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer each started games in the Vikings’ absence, and Minnesota finished 9-8, missing the postseason.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said at his end-of-season press conference, “I think there has to be competition. I think that’s what’s going to make everybody better in that room.”
He stopped short of naming McCarthy the 2026 starter. Pressed further at the NFL Combine in late February, O’Connell again chose his words carefully, noting the timeline for the franchise has shifted.
Minnesota still has receiver Justin Jefferson and one of the better defensive units in the NFC. The offense has real weapons. Whether Murray or McCarthy is the one throwing to them in September could define how far this team goes.
A healthy, motivated version of him is a different quarterback than the one Arizona quietly moved on from last Nov.