The Kyler Murray era in Arizona has ended, and the 2019 No. 1 overall pick is heading to the Minnesota Vikings. Murray, officially released by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, has signed a one-year deal at the league minimum with Minnesota, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported, with a no-tag clause included in the contract.
The Vikings later confirmed the signing. The deal allows Murray to earn the minimum because he is still guaranteed $36.8 million this season under the extension he signed with Arizona in 2022, giving him the flexibility to join Minnesota without affecting his guaranteed earnings.
Murray, 28, is entering a new chapter after a turbulent few seasons marked by injuries and inconsistent play. He played only five games last year, completing 68.3% of his passes for 192.4 yards per game with six touchdowns, three interceptions, and an 88.6 passer rating, while a foot injury ended his campaign prematurely. His rushing numbers have also declined since a torn ACL in 2022, with just nine rushing touchdowns and 33 yards per game since 2023 compared to 38.7 yards per game and 23 touchdowns on the ground from 2019-2022. Despite recent struggles, Murray leaves Arizona ranked third in franchise history with 20,460 passing yards, 121 passing touchdowns, and 3,193 rushing yards with 32 touchdowns, the latter the most for a Cardinals quarterback outside of Hall of Famer Charley Trippi.
The Vikings, who missed the playoffs last season, now have two former first-round picks vying for the quarterback role. Murray will join J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota’s 2024 10th overall pick, whose development has been slowed by injuries. McCarthy has appeared in just 10 games over two seasons, completing 57.6% of his passes with 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 72.6 rating. Whether Murray steps in as the starter or competes with McCarthy remains to be seen, but head coach Kevin O’Connell has made it clear the team wants competition and flexibility in the quarterback room. Murray acknowledged the opportunity Thursday, saying he is “grateful” and ready to compete when called upon.
The move reunites Murray with a coaching staff known for revitalizing quarterbacks, as O’Connell previously helped get productive seasons from Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold, the latter of whom led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl LX victory after leaving Minnesota. For Murray, Minnesota represents a chance to rebuild his career and showcase his dual-threat capabilities in a fresh environment, potentially setting the stage for his next contract and re-establishing himself as an elite quarterback in the NFL.
