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Kyler Murray, Vikings agree to terms in free agency: Contract details
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- Kyler Murray, Vikings agree to terms in free agency: Contract details
There's a new quarterback in town.
Kyler Murray has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. He will sign a one-year deal worth $1.3 million – the veteran minimum for players with more than seven years of NFL experience.
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Arizona still owes Murray $36.8 million in guarantees for the 2026 season, according to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero .
"I can't wait to touch the field as a Minnesota Viking," Murray said in a press conference after signing with the team.
The 28-year-old was considered the 13th-best player in free agency for 2026 and the third-best quarterback on the board, according to USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis . Murray ranked behind Daniel Jones , who was transition tagged by the Indianapolis Colts , and Malik Willis, who has agreed to terms with the Miami Dolphins .
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Murray was informed of his release from the Arizona Cardinals on March 3 . It was a parting that had appeared to be inevitable, dating back to the famous "independent study" clause that was inserted into the quarterback's extension in 2022.
Arizona couldn't find a taker for the quarterback in the trade market, prompting the official release once the new league year began on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
Murray will hope to remind everyone what he's capable of after choosing his new team, a team he says he was a fan of growing up.
The former Cardinals quarterback posted a picture to Instagram showing a younger version of himself wearing a "Vikings" youth football jersey. During his press conference on March 12, Murray also brought up a painful memory he had watching one of his Vikings quarterback predecessors.
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"I cried real tears whenever Brett (Favre) threw that interception," Murray said , referring to Favre's pick against the New Orleans Saints at the end of regulation in the NFC championship game 16 years ago. "I cried real tears that day." (The Saints went on to win that game in overtime and defeat the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl 44.)
Here's what to know about Murray's new deal and where he fits on the depth chart in Minnesota:
Kyler Murray contract details
Murray inked a one-year, $1.3 million deal. Here's a look at the full terms, per multiple reports:
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Term: One year
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Total contract value: $1.3 million
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Average annual value (AAV): $1.3 million
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Guaranteed money: $1.3 million
In addition to his guarantees from his new Vikings contract, Murray will also receive $36.8 million in guaranteed money from the Cardinals in 2026.
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Vikings QB depth chart
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Kyler Murray
Murray should be expected to compete with McCarthy for the starting quarterback job in Minnesota. McCarthy, who is entering his third season in 2026, struggled in his first full season in the pros after missing 2024 with a knee injury.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyler Murray agrees to contract with Vikings in NFL free agency
