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Vikings Hone In on Their Man
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- Vikings Hone In on Their Man
Robert Hanashiro
For weeks, Minnesota Vikings fans and NFL media have speculated that Kevin O'Connell's team would be interested if Kyler Murray became available — and that theory was correct. The Arizona Cardinals formally released Murray on Wednesday, putting the Vikings in hot pursuit.
Minnesota's quarterback chase may now have a clear frontrunner.
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It may be just a matter of time before Murray signs on the Vikings' dotted line.
Kyler Murray's Path to Minnesota Looks More Real Than Ever
It's time to consider No. 1 in purple and gold a real thing.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray goes through warmups before kickoff against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Dec. 5, 2021. Murray loosens up with throwing drills as Arizona prepares for the road matchup against Chicago during the late-season NFC contest. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports.
Cardinals Drop Murray
Arizona drafted Murray with the first overall pick in 2019 — after it cast 1st-Rounder from 2018, Josh Rosen , to the side to make room — and that relationship has netted one playoff berth. In the 2026 offseason, the Cardinals hired new head coach Mike LaFleur , who evidently has a different vision for the new-look Cardinals than Murray back for Year No. 8.
Following weeks of rumors, the Cardinals, alas, dropped Murray on Wednesday, as soon as the NFL calendar officially rolled to 2026.
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Darren Urban, from the Cardinals' team website, announced , "In the move known for more than a week, the Cardinals officially released quarterback Kyler Murray on Wednesday as the new league year began in the NFL. In the move known for more than a week, the Cardinals officially released quarterback Kyler Murray on Wednesday as the new league year began in the NFL. Murray is expected to quickly find a new team , with the Vikings the speculative favorite."
"It won't be Atlanta , who already signed Tua Tagovailoa with Michael Penix Jr . coming back from a knee injury, or the Jets , who traded for Geno Smith . Murray is already owed $36 million from the Cardinals this season, which will allow him to sign where he wants for the minimum $1.3M if he chooses. The NFL's QB carousel has been spinning since Monday."
Even the Cardinals' own reporters know that Murray is probably heading to the Vikings.
Vikings in the Hunt
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Then, Minnesota, as the presumptive frontrunner, became a reality.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero tweeted , "The Vikings plan to make a push for Kyler Murray and are the favorite to land the former No. 1 overall pick, sources tell me and Ian Rapoport. Finally released today by Arizona, Murray will take his time and wants to speak with interested teams. But Minnesota is the team to beat."
"The Cardinals owe Kyler Murray $36.8M fully guaranteed this season, so the expectation is he'll sign a one-year minimum deal. If it is indeed in Minnesota, he would compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job."
The Athletic 's Dianna Russini added , "Now that Kyler Murray's release from the Cardinals is official, the Minnesota Vikings are expected to target him as a veteran addition to their QB room , sources tell The Athletic. He will be taking a visit to Minnesota and getting a physical."
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Murray to the Vikings is no longer theoretical. It is in motion.
Batting Away the Steelers ?
Ironically, Minnesota may not face much resistance to Murray's incredibly affordable services. The Miami Dolphins chose Malik Willis . The New York Jets traded for Geno Smith . Tua Tagovailoa landed with the Atlanta Falcons . Daniel Jones re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts for $50 million per season. Aaron Rodgers may end up back in Pittsburgh .
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray receives the snap from center Hjalte Froholdt during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa., Dec. 3, 2023. Murray begins the play as Arizona's offense lines up against Pittsburgh's defense in the interconference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports.
Aside from the Cleveland Browns , who have Deshaun Watson , Shedeur Sanders , and Dillon Gabriel under contract, the Steelers are the only real competition for Murray. The Vikings basically have to make themselves more attractive than the Steelers, which isn't difficult with quarterback-whispering head coach Kevin O'Connell, Justin Jefferson , Jordan Addison , T.J. Hockenson , and Brian Flores's defense.
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It also helps that Murray cheered for the Vikings as a kid. He's solicited that information a few times over the years.
Kirk Cousins as a Fallback?
In the same swoop of Murray's release, the Atlanta Falcons also dropped Cousins, a former Vikings quarterback, on Wednesday afternoon. Cousins's options are narrow, too, though he could chat with the Browns and Steelers.
The aforementioned Russini tweeted , "Expect the Las Vegas Raiders to show interest in Kirk Cousins as they look for a veteran QB addition to help develop presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza."
Some credible hints have suggested that the Raiders may not start Mendoza in Week 1, instead leaning on a patchover passer, which would have Cousins written all over it.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray celebrates after Arizona's overtime victory against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., Sep. 18, 2022. Murray reacts as teammates gather following the dramatic 29-23 win during the early-season NFL matchup. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports.
Regardless, in the Vikings' doomsday scenario — Murray signs in Pittsburgh, Rodgers retires, and Mac Jones isn't available via trade at a reasonable cost — they could call Cousins to gauge his interest in a battle with McCarthy this summer.
But generally speaking, Murray to Minnesota feels inevitable.
Murray will turn 29 this summer.
