Kyler Murray signs with Vikings, creates QB competition with JJ McCarthy after Cardinals release: reports

Kyler Murray is heading north and joining the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal following his release by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

Murray’s arrival creates competition for JJ McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft who hasn’t had the best start to his early career.

The Cardinals still owe Murray $36.8 million, making it a veteran’s league minimum deal for the Vikings, a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing that could bode well for head coach Kevin O’Connell.

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Murray reportedly visited the Vikings on Thursday and believed he would not leave the building without a contract being worked out.

The Vikings were reported to be the “overwhelming favorite” to land Murray even though McCarthy entered his third season in 2026.

VIKINGS EMERGE AS ‘OVERWHELMING FAVORITES’ TO Land KYLER MURRAY AFTER CARDINALS RELEASE: REPORT

McCarthy, who sat out his rookie year due to a season-ending injury in the preseason, got his first taste of regular-season NFL football in 2025. But McCarthy struggled despite a 6-4 record in 10 games, and injuries cost him time once again.

The addition of Murray confirms that McCarthy’s status as a quarterback is in limbo.

Murray had his own rollercoaster, a seven-year tenure with Arizona, going 38-48-1 in 87 games. He apologized to Cardinals fans last week, confirming the team’s intentions to release him even though it still owes him $36.8 million in guaranteed money from the five-year, $230.5 million extension he signed in 2022.

“To everyone who supported me and showed kindness to my family and me during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Murray wrote on X.

“I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77-year drought for this organization, I’m sorry we failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.

“I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever comes. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe that my best ball is in front of me and I hope to prove it. Good luck.”

Last season, Murray went 2-3 in his five games, throwing for six touchdowns and three interceptions before a foot injury sidelined him the rest of the way. Jacoby Brissett, who will take over as the team’s starter in the second year of the two-year contract he signed last offseason with the franchise, replaced Murray and thrived despite what the record said. He threw for a career-high 3,366 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The Cardinals, however, finished 3-14 and the franchise went in a different direction and fired head coach Jonathan Gannon. Mike LaFleur, who served as offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, is his replacement for 2026.

Early in his tenure with the Cardinals, Murray was a player to build around after making back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2020 and 2021, the latter in which he threw for 3,787 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 423 yards with five scores on the ground. He also rushed for 819 yards with 11 rushing touchdowns in 2020, a part of his game that made him so electric.

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However, injuries have hampered Murray’s career, including a torn ACL in Week 14 of the 2022 season that caused him to miss nine games in 2023. Then, after a full 17-game season in 2024, he injured his foot.

Murray’s addition to the Vikings leaves the Pittsburgh Steelers confident that Aaron Rodgers will return in 2026. They have been awaiting his decision on reuniting with new head coach Mike McCarthy. The New York Jets (Geno Smith), Miami Dolphins (Malik Willis) and Atlanta Falcons (Tua Tagovailoa) all made moves this week at the position.

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