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The Kyler Murray Thing Happened
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- The Kyler Murray Thing Happened
Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
For months, NFL fans and media have speculated that the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray were headed toward divorce. On March 3rd, those theories were proven correct. Arizona will release Murray next week, barring a last-minute, severely unlikely trade.
The price could land in a sweet spot, leaving Minnesota to weigh Murray's fit in Kevin O'Connell's offense.
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And the Minnesota Vikings , needing a quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy this summer, suddenly have their number-one-with-a-bullet value option. Some Vikings fans warned against a trade for Murray, suggesting draft picks were not worth the squeeze. That concern is now moot. Murray can get-got for free.
Minnesota's QB Shortlist Just Got More Interesting
Murray will play elsewhere in 2026.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws along the sideline during pregame warmups before facing the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Nov. 7, 2021. Murray runs through his early throwing routine as Arizona prepares for the NFC West divisional matchup on the road. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports.
Cardinals to Release Murray
Murray's departure from Arizona is now a foregone conclusion. It's happening.
ESPN's Josh Wenifuss wrote Tuesday , "The Kyler Murray era with the Arizona Cardinals is officially coming to a close. After months of speculation about Murray's future with the team, Arizona has informed the former No. 1 overall pick that they plan on releasing him next Wednesday, when the new league year begins, barring a trade, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday."
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"Murray was already guaranteed $36.8 million for 2026 and was set to be guaranteed another $19.5 million for 2027 if he was still on the roster on the fifth day of the 2026 league year, which is March 16th. Getting released was Murray's preferred outcome from his time in Arizona, a source told ESPN. With him hitting the open market next week, Murray has two teams he prefers to join, the source said."
Regarding the two teams, one can't help but wonder if those are the Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers .
The Vikings' Quest for a Deep QB Room
At the very beginning of the offseason, Vikings head coach and de facto team CEO Kevin O'Connell, along with former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah , announced they would seek a "deep quarterback room" in 2026, unlike last offseason when the club appeared aloof in acquiring a big-name talent to accompany McCarthy.
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In about nine weeks of the offseason, names like Aaron Rodgers , Kirk Cousins , Geno Smith , Derek Carr , and Jimmy Garoppolo have popped up. But none quite have the age on their side like Murray, who will turn 29 this summer. Murray is also a Top 5 passer in NFL history per completion percentage, and once upon a time, ran a 4.38 forty right before turning pro.
On a prove-it deal, there is no better option for a deep quarterback room in Minnesota than Murray. He is a dream candidate for the assignment.
We know the Murray release is real because he said goodbye to Cardinals fans on X.
"To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best." Murray tweeted .
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"I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever's next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it. Godspeed."
It's also worth noting that Murray has said a few times that he grew up a fan of the NFL, and his favorite team? The Vikings.
No Better Value than Murray
Minnesota could explore Cousins for cheap , but he'll be 38 this summer — nine years older than Murray — and offers virtually no mobility with his legs. Rodgers will be 43 in December. Carr is retired. Smith will turn 36. Garoppolo isn't young.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) surveys the field during a matchup with the Houston Texans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Oct. 24, 2021. Murray operates the offense during regular-season action as Arizona hosts Houston in an interconference game. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
The Vikings could, in theory, explore Malik Willis from free agency, but his price tag could tip the scales over $30 million per season. Therefore, Minnesota could have Willis for $32 million or Murray for $1 million. Which would you choose?
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Another possible release candidate, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, might make sense, but he called Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores a "terrible person" in an interview a year and a half ago, as the pair had a frosty relationship in Miami when Flores was his head coach.
From the moment McCarthy appeared injury-prone and inconsistent, and knowing that O'Connell faced win-now stakes in 2026, VikingsTerritory has repeatedly professed "all roads lead to Kyler Murray." On Tuesday, that declaration took a step closer to fruition.
Murray's Stats
The Cardinals shut Murray down after a foot injury in 2025, and when he recovered, the club oddly rolled with Jacoby Brissett . Before that, in 2024, Murray played all 17 games. All told in his career, Murray has been available for 72% of games, leading some to question his durability. That percentage includes his "soft benching" last year. If the Cardinals hadn't used that tactic, Murray's games-played percentage could be closer to 80%.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) delivers a pass in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 3, 2021. Murray releases the ball during NFC West divisional action as Arizona faces Los Angeles on the road. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Here's his statline from career averages translated to a 17-game sample:
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3,997 Passing Yards
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30 Total Touchdowns
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11 INTs
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67.1% Completion
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623 Rushing Yards
Murray also has better EPA+CPOE in his career than C.J. Stroud , Daniel Jones , Baker Mayfield , and Trevor Lawrence .
Vikings fans must ask themselves: Are 30 touchdown passes and 4,620 passing + rushing yards good enough for me to lead my favorite team?
Should be a no-brainer.
