The Minnesota Vikings are closely watching the quarterback market this offseason, with Kyler Murray emerging as a potential addition. Murray, the 2019 first overall pick, is expected to be released by the Arizona Cardinals as his future with the team in Glendale appears bleak and a separation seems imminent. This development has put the Vikings in position to consider the dynamic quarterback as part of a possible roster shakeup.
Reports Signal a Surge of Affordable Starting Quarterbacks
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport fueled speculation by naming Murray among several quarterbacks likely to become available without significant financial demands. He highlighted,
“There’s going to be an unprecedented number of starting-caliber quarterbacks available for very little money. … You’ve got Tua Tagovailoa, likely released. You got Kyler Murray, a likely release from the Arizona Cardinals absent of a last-minute trade, which I would be a little surprised about.”
Rapoport’s assessment underscores the rare depth of experienced passers hitting the market shortly.
Potential Veteran Options for Minnesota’s Quarterback Position
Alongside Murray, veterans such as Kirk Cousins, expected to be released by the Atlanta Falcons, and Geno Smith are also rumored targets. While the Vikings have yet to finalize which direction to take, it is increasingly probable that one of these seasoned quarterbacks will join the team in the Twin Cities. The anticipated release scenario benefits Minnesota financially, as acquiring Murray through release avoids trade compensation and significant salary obligations, especially since the Cardinals remain responsible for his guaranteed contract funds.
Murray’s Career and Recent Performance Challenges
Murray’s value traditionally stood near $45 million annually, but a release could reduce his cost to near the veteran minimum, prompting reevaluation. The two-time Pro Bowler struggled with injuries in the previous season, managing only five starts and finishing with a 2-3 record while completing over 68% of his passes. Over those games, he recorded 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions, and contributed 173 rushing yards with one touchdown. Injuries have persisted as a hurdle, limiting him to more than 11 appearances just once over the past four years.
Nevertheless, the 2024 season showed Murray’s ability when healthy: he played all 17 games, threw for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, and added 572 rushing yards with five scores. Those numbers clearly surpass the Vikings’ recent quarterback output, increasing Murray’s appeal despite his recent setbacks.
Evaluating Murray’s Fit Within Minnesota’s Offense
ESPN’s Dan Graziano connected the Vikings to Murray, noting,
“The odd quarterback landscape of this offseason makes it difficult to predict where the Vikings land, but if and when someone such as Geno Smith or Kyler Murray gets cut, I could see Minnesota pursuing that kind of passer on a low-cost, one-year prove-it deal.”
This suggests the Vikings might view Murray as a cost-effective solution to compete with J.J. McCarthy at the position.
However, it remains uncertain how Murray would adapt to Kevin O’Connell’s vertical passing offense, which contrasts with the strengths of his previous schemes. Despite this, the combination of a quarterback-friendly system and skill players like Justin Jefferson makes the Vikings an attractive landing spot for a quarterback looking to revive his career.
Contemplating Next Steps and Competition for Murray’s Services
If the Cardinals officially release Murray, he gains the freedom to choose his next team. Several franchises, including the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins, also have pressing needs at quarterback, making competition for his signing likely. Minnesota’s reputation for innovative offensive play could influence Murray’s decision in their favor.
Overall, the unfolding situation affirms that the Vikings are actively assessing veteran quarterback options rather than committing decisively. Should Murray hit the market, he represents a strategic, low-risk candidate to bolster Minnesota’s quarterback room, providing depth and the potential for significant upside in a supportive environment with an experienced coaching staff.
Kyler Murray is a "likely release" from the Arizona Cardinals and would be "surprised" if there were a last second trade, per @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/620yeOTKKN
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) March 1, 2026
