Kyler Murray is entering free agency following the Arizona Cardinals’ decision to release him after seven seasons. Murray, who earned the Heisman Trophy in 2018 at Oklahoma and was the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, saw his promising tenure in Arizona come to an unexpected end. Despite individual accolades such as two Pro Bowl selections and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2019, the Cardinals struggled with losing records during his last four seasons, and Murray’s availability dropped sharply after he played only five games in 2025.
Teams Interested in a Veteran Quarterback
As Murray looks for a fresh start, several NFL franchises are searching for a new quarterback, including the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings. Among these, the Vikings have emerged as the leading contender to sign the former Oklahoma star. NFL insider Connor Hughes noted the Jets’ interest in multiple quarterbacks but highlighted that Minnesota is widely expected to pursue Murray in free agency.
“The #Jets might not target just one quarterback in free agency. Belief from agents who met with them at the NFL Combine is that they prefer to add two — if they can. It’s similar to what the #Giants did a year ago (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston).Kyler Murray was discussed,” — Connor Hughes, NFL Insider
Vikings’ Quarterback Situation and Legacy of Kirk Cousins
The Vikings have been without a definitive starting quarterback since Kirk Cousins‘ departure to Atlanta before the 2024 season. To fill that void, Minnesota signed Sam Darnold, who excelled in 2024 by throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, guiding the team to an impressive 14-3 record. Despite Darnold’s strong performance, the Vikings allowed him to leave for the Seattle Seahawks, where he led them to a Super Bowl appearance in his first season.
Can Murray Revive His Career Like Sam Darnold?
Murray’s recent performance has fallen short of his early career promise, but Darnold’s success after leaving Minnesota presents a possible model for resurgence. If Murray joins the Vikings, he would compete against J.J. McCarthy, who struggled in his rookie season, completing 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 10 starts.
Although Murray appeared in only five games last year, his completion percentage stood at 68.3, with 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, showing clearer effectiveness than McCarthy. Murray’s experience and skill set could offer the Vikings greater offensive stability.
Strong Offensive Support Awaits in Minnesota
Murray would benefit from an impressive group of offensive weapons in Minnesota, particularly two of the NFL’s top young wide receivers—Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Additionally, the Vikings have invested in strengthening their offensive line, which could provide Murray with better protection and opportunities to perform at a higher level.
From Forgotten to First-Rate: Lessons from Darnold’s Journey
Sam Darnold’s path serves as an encouraging example. Once a highly touted draft pick who quickly faded into backup roles after a brief tenure with the New York Jets, Darnold revitalized his career in Minnesota before becoming a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with Seattle. While there are no guarantees Murray will mirror this turn of events, Minnesota’s recent experience with a quarterback renaissance offers hope for the former Heisman winner.
Future Outlook for Kyler Murray and the Vikings
The Vikings’ pursuit of Kyler Murray could mark a pivotal moment for both parties. For Murray, it represents a critical opportunity to rebuild his career and potentially guide a talented Minnesota offense back to championship contention. For the Vikings, signing Murray offers a chance to stabilize and elevate their quarterback position following a period of transition and uncertainty.
As free agency unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Murray’s signing can ignite the resurgence that Minnesota and its fans are hoping for, and if he can rewrite the next chapter of his NFL career as a comeback story worthy of the Super Bowl stage.
The #Jets might not target just one quarterback in free agency. Belief from agents who met with them at the NFL Combine is that they prefer to add two — if they can. It's similar to what the #Giants did a year ago (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston).
Kyler Murray was discussed,…
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 6, 2026
