Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to be cut before the 2026 NFL season, with speculation growing that the Minnesota Vikings could quickly secure his services. This anticipated move comes as the market for veteran quarterbacks is shifting, with teams seeking cost-effective options.
Murray, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and the Cardinals’ 2019 first overall draft pick, appears set to part ways with Arizona after seven seasons. Sources indicate the Cardinals may soon move on from Murray, who carries a significant guaranteed salary into 2026 but struggled in his most recent campaign.
Changing Dynamics in the Quarterback Market Highlight Murray’s Situation
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed at the 2026 NFL Combine that the league faces an unusually affordable veteran quarterback pool this offseason. Alongside Murray, other starting-caliber veterans like Kirk Cousins and Tua Tagovailoa might become available at lower costs. Rapoport categorized Murray and Tagovailoa as among the players most likely to be released, implying the Cardinals could cut ties unless a surprising trade occurs.
Although the Cardinals have suggested Murray was the team’s weak point, an NFLPA report card leak ranked their locker room and ownership near the bottom of the league. This contextualizes the internal instability surrounding Murray’s potential departure.
Financially, the Cardinals owe Murray $36.8 million guaranteed for 2026, including a $17 million roster bonus due by mid-March, which factors heavily into their decision-making. Teams evaluating the quarterback market must weigh options between mid-tier trade candidates such as Mac Jones, expensive veterans like Cousins, or proven players on lower-risk deals such as Murray or Tua Tagovailoa.
“It’s really going to be a discussion of value,”
Rapoport said.
I think it starts next week.
Prospective Landing Spots Focus on Minnesota Vikings’ Renewed Quarterback Search
If Murray reaches free agency, the Minnesota Vikings emerge as a frontrunner to add him. While the Vikings are further developing young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, his recent injury—a hairline fracture in his right hand—has introduced uncertainty about his immediate readiness to lead. McCarthy, who started 10 games last season, remains unproven due to injury setbacks, prompting Minnesota to seek veteran competition at the position.
The Vikings are reportedly considering several experienced quarterbacks to challenge McCarthy, including Spencer Rattler from the New Orleans Saints, Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers, and Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks, alongside potential interest in Murray.
Murray’s skill set still reflects his status as a unique dual-threat quarterback capable of impacting defenses with both his arm and his legs, despite a disappointing 2025 season where he was benched in favor of Jacoby Brissett after posting career lows across several performance metrics.
“Jonathan Gannon benched Murray in favor of Jacoby Brissett last season”
(Image: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Reports suggest mutual interest between Murray and the Vikings. Analytical outlets consistently list Minnesota as the most likely new home for Murray, with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets also appearing as potential destinations.
Vikings’ Offensive Talent and Coaching Could Support Murray’s Career Revival
The Vikings boast an exceptional group of receivers, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, supported by depth players like Jalen Nailor and Tai Felton, creating one of the league’s most dangerous passing offenses. This arsenal could help alleviate pressure on a quarterback adapting to a new system.
Minnesota’s head coach Kevin O’Connell has a reputation for tailoring offensive schemes to match his young quarterbacks’ abilities while enhancing their development. His past work with players such as Kirk Cousins, Josh Dobbs, Carson Wentz, and Sam Darnold—who won Super Bowl LX—suggests Murray could find conditions conducive to regaining form within this environment.
What’s Next for Murray Amid a Shifting Quarterback Landscape?
As the NFL offseason approaches, how teams maneuver in the quarterback market will greatly impact Murray’s fate. The Cardinals must decide whether to keep him under contract or follow through with a cut, freeing Murray to test the market. For the Vikings, their choice to pursue a veteran like Murray reflects a desire to strike a balance between developing youthful talent and acquiring proven experience.
With multiple teams in pursuit and a market favoring veteran affordability, Kyler Murray’s next chapter is poised to unfold rapidly, making him one of the most closely watched quarterbacks leading into free agency and the 2026 season.
