The Minnesota Vikings currently seem positioned to secure quarterback Kyler Murray, yet the unpredictable nature of NFL free agency means the situation could change rapidly. The March 10 trade of Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders to the New York Jets appeared to strengthen Minnesota’s chances by removing a key competitor and simplifying potential trade scenarios for Murray.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert captured the sentiment on social media, stating,
“With the Geno Smith trade to the Jets, the Vikings appear to be the big favorite for Kyler Murray.”
Unexpected Jets Move Changes the Playing Field
The Jets’ acquisition of Smith surprised many, given they only gave up a sixth-round pick to get him, along with a seventh-rounder sent to the Raiders. However, the financial aspects were more complicated, as Rich Cimini of ESPN revealed,
“To facilitate the trade, the Jets and Smith agreed to a renegotiated contract, a source told ESPN. Details weren’t immediately available, but the Raiders assumed the bulk of the 2026 payout, the source said.”
Cimini added,
“If the Jets had waited for [his release] at 4 p.m. Wednesday, they could’ve signed him for $1.3 million, the veterans minimum. But they would’ve faced competition for him. The Minnesota Vikings were known to be interested.”
This move ensured Smith would play in New York, blocking the Vikings from acquiring him and raising the stakes in the Murray pursuit.
Possible Loss of Kyler Murray Mirrors Past Missed Opportunity with Geno Smith
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is owed $36 million in 2026, complicating potential trades. The Jets sacrificed draft pick flexibility and accepted a significant financial commitment to secure Smith, while the Cardinals could be open to deals offering only late-round picks if another team agrees to cover part of Murray’s hefty salary.
If a franchise other than Minnesota presents such an offer, the Cardinals may trade Murray elsewhere, leaving the Vikings without either quarterback option to challenge or replace J.J. McCarthy.
Steelers Could Disrupt Vikings’ Plans to Acquire Murray
The Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as a plausible contender to claim Kyler Murray away from Minnesota. After winning the AFC North, Pittsburgh invested heavily in wide receivers, extending DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., signaling a commitment to immediate success.
The future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will be 43 this December, remains uncertain, and while Kirk Cousins is also reportedly of interest to the Steelers, his veteran status would not significantly improve the team’s outlook in 2026. This makes Murray a prime target for Pittsburgh’s long-term quarterback solution.
Until Murray’s expected release on Wednesday afternoon, Pittsburgh could remain active in negotiations, creating tense competition for Minnesota’s favored position. Post-release, the Vikings would presumably hold an advantage based on better playing opportunities.
However, the Steelers’ strong roster and urgency to win immediately make them a formidable challenger in the trade for Murray.
Implications for the Vikings’ Quarterback Future
The Vikings face a nervy period that will determine their quarterback direction, potentially impacting their 2026 season strategy. Losing Kyler Murray would mirror the earlier loss of Geno Smith, intensifying uncertainty around the team’s ability to replace or support J.J. McCarthy effectively.
Minnesota’s management must navigate this complex landscape marked by financial negotiations, competing bids, and strategic roster moves by rivals like Pittsburgh. The outcome of this high-stakes trade will significantly influence the Vikings’ competitiveness moving forward.
With the Geno Smith trade to the Jets, the Vikings appear to be the big favorite for Kyler Murray. Would imagine Kirk Cousins could become an option as well. Both players available tomorrow barring a trade.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) March 10, 2026
