Quarterback Kyler Murray officially signed a one-year, $1.3 million veteran minimum contract with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday. The agreement includes a strict no-tag clause, guaranteeing his unrestricted free agency in 2027.
The Arizona Cardinals released Murray on Wednesday at the start of the new league year. Arizona remains responsible for his guaranteed money and owes Murray between $35.5 million and $36.8 million for the 2026 season. This financial obligation stems from the five-year extension he signed in 2022.
Murray arrives in Minnesota to trigger an immediate quarterback competition under head coach Kevin O’Connell. He joins a roster where 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy has struggled to stay on the field due to a meniscus tear, a high-ankle sprain, and a broken hand. Murray brings a seasoned, dual-threat presence to Minnesota sports.
EAGAN, Minn. — March 13, 2026: The Minnesota Vikings executed a stunning, league-altering move in NFL free agency today, officially signing veteran quarterback Kyler Murray to a two-year contract.https://t.co/OgbovOoAcp pic.twitter.com/VFvFXPyOuS
— Crunchupdates (@itsCrunchupdate) March 13, 2026
Murray leaves Arizona with a 38-48-1 career record as a starter. His tenure included the 2019 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and two Pro Bowl selections. His time with the Cardinals deteriorated following a highly publicized independent film study clause in his 2022 extension. Physical tolls mounted late in his Arizona run, including a torn ACL late in the 2022 season and a foot injury in 2025.
Murray remains the only athlete ever drafted in the first round of both the NFL Draft and the MLB Draft. The Oakland Athletics selected him ninth overall in 2018 before Arizona took him first overall in 2019. He actively competes in chess, holding a blitz rating near 1000 on Chess.com, and previously reached the finals of the NFL BlitzChamps charity tournament.
Despite growing up in Texas, Murray followed the Minnesota Vikings as a child. His youth football team shared the Vikings name. During his introductory press conference with the Minnesota media, Murray addressed his childhood loyalty. “I cried real tears whenever Brett threw that interception,” Murray said, referencing the 2009 NFC Championship Game.