The rumors surrounding where quarterback Kyler Murray can finally be laid to rest. As expected, Murray is signing a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings for the NFL veteran minimum, which is $1.3 million.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported the deal, citing that the Arizona Cardinals will still pay Murray $36.8 million after releasing him. The Vikings are only on the hook for the minimum salary contract.
Murray's deal with the Vikings instantly creates one of the most interesting quarterback battles of the offseason. The former top pick will duel with J.J. McCarthy in training camp this summer in hopes of gaining the starting role.
After signing a five-year, $230.5 million extension with the Cardinals in 2022, things never panned out for Murray in Arizona. He tore his ACL later that season and suffered a foot injury last season, holding him out of games that would sink the Cardinals’ season.
Murray finished his seven-season career with the Cardinals with a 38-48-1 record. Minnesota has long been rumored to be the landing spot for Murray in free agency, given the team's lack of commitment to McCarthy.
McCarthy, after missing his entire rookie season to injury, was inconsistent in his first season as a starter. He only started 10 games due to another injury, but he didn't play well in those games either. He finished the season with 11 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions, throwing for only 1,632 yards.
The pair of former first-round picks will be in direct competition this offseason, and the winner of the QB duel could have ramifications for years to come for the Vikings.
If McCarthy gets the job, he could solidify himself as the QB of the future for the Vikings, keeping coach Kevin O'Connell around and in a position to win. If Murray wins, the Vikings might compete this season, but nothing is guaranteed beyond that.
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