Kyler Murray, Cardinals
Getty
Quarterback Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals.
Kyler Murray still has multiple good options outside of signing with the Minnesota Vikings, including one with an NFC team that was on the doorstep of February’s Super Bowl.
John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports reported on Wednesday that Murray and the Vikings could be in business together within 24 hours, but then added a meaningful caveat.
“Kyler Murray will visit with the Minnesota Vikings tomorrow. A starting spot is a priority, and Minnesota does offer that and a deal could be done in the next 24 hours,” Gambadoro posted to X. “But Murray and his camp are expected to explore several options as a backup in 2026 for teams that could need a starting QB in 2027 over the next 24 hours.”
Tyler Drake, also of Arizona Sports, noted that one such opportunity that has caught Murray’s eye is the backup job with the Los Angeles Rams, where he would play behind reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford who has one year left on his contract and just turned 38 years old.
Part of the Vikings’ strong appeal to a player like Murray is the talent on the roster, an elite offensive schemer in head coach Kevin O’Connell and a strong organizational infrastructure. The Rams have all of that, arguably at even higher levels than Minnesota.
What they don’t have is a starting job to offer rtoday, and that’s what Judd Zulgad of SKOR North contended Murray is trying to get in writing from the Vikings by floating the possibility of signing elsewhere.
Kyler Murray May Have Leaked Rams Ties to Leverage Vikings Into Offering QB1 Guarantee
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
GettyFormer Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
On his Substack Wednesday, Zulgad wrote under the assumption that Murray’s team was behind the information about the Rams going public so as to leverage the circumstances under which he will join the Vikings.
It would make sense if Murray was intrigued by an opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have an opening for their starting job, but getting it out there that he’s expected to explore several options, including ones where he would be the clear backup, leads me to this conclusion:
Murray wants assurances from the Vikings that he will enter training camp as the starter ahead of J.J. McCarthy and that it won’t be considered a competition. The Vikings might want to have Murray and McCarthy compete, but are they in a position to control the situation?
Vikings Have Been Clear About Plans to Bring in Competition for JJ McCarthy Since End of Last Season
J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
GettyMinnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy.
The answer to that question is perhaps no, because the Arizona Cardinals owe Murray $36.8 million in 2026, which he makes either way.
That’s why he is free to sign anywhere on the league minimum of $1.3 million and focus on every other aspect of free agency besides money, which provides him significant negotiating leverage to dictate the terms of his next stop — at least to a point.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Minnesota is the favorite to land Murray. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that it will be a shock now if the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback ultimately lands anywhere else.
Minnesota drafted McCarthy No. 10 overall two years ago, but four different injuries have led him to start just 10 games in the two seasons since. The team has been clear about wanting to bring in competition for McCarthy since the end of last season — and if Murray is the guy, and a starting guarantee in Week 1 is what he wants, the Vikings may have no choice but to acquiesce.