Former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray has signed a one-year veteran minimum contract with the Minnesota Vikings to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback role in 2026. The move comes days after the Arizona Cardinals released the two-time Pro Bowler, bringing an end to a seven-year tenure that concluded with a 2025 season cut short to just five games by a foot injury.
Under the terms of the agreement, Minnesota will pay Murray the league minimum of $1.3 million. Because of offset language in his previous contract, the Cardinals remain responsible for the remaining $35.5 million of his guaranteed salary for the 2026 season. The new contract negotiated by agent Erik Burkhardt also features a no-tag clause, meaning Murray will hit unrestricted free agency next offseason after this veteran minimum deal expires.
Murray finalized the contract at the TCO Performance Center on Thursday. Head coach Kevin O’Connell adds the veteran to a quarterback room hoping to replicate the franchise’s recent success in rejuvenating the careers of Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. Murray, who grew up a Vikings fan, now joins an offense featuring wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, along with tight end T.J. Hockenson.
𝐊𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐐𝐁 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉.𝐉. 𝐌𝐜𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲: Kyler Murray has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings after being released by the Arizona Cardinals, who still owe him… pic.twitter.com/9hkVeCmqNk
— Ranked News (@RankedNews) March 13, 2026
Despite the low-risk financial commitment, not all analysts view the acquisition as a ceiling-raising move for Minnesota. CBS Sports analyst Will Brinson noted that the juice on the Vikings’ 8.5 season win total shifted from -140 to -115 on the Under following the signing. Brinson highlighted this as an opportune time to fade Minnesota, citing the team’s recent release of several key defensive players, lingering questions on the offensive line, and a demanding NFC North division schedule featuring the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions.
During his 87-game career in Arizona, Murray recorded 20,460 passing yards, 121 passing touchdowns, 3,193 rushing yards, and 32 rushing touchdowns.