Dolphins Lose Out on Kyler Murray Amid Vikings Rumor

Miami's hopes of landing the former Cardinals QB take a hit as he's reportedly strongly linked to Minnesota.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Miami Dolphins were hoping to sign free agent quarterback Kyler Murray as a potential replacement for the departing Tua Tagovailoa, but a new report indicates Murray is strongly linked to joining the Minnesota Vikings instead. With the Dolphins facing a significant dead cap charge from cutting Tagovailoa, Murray would have been an ideal low-cost, high-upside option for Miami, but the Vikings appear to be the frontrunners for his services.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are in a difficult position this offseason, needing to find a new starting quarterback on a budget after Tagovailoa's expected departure. Kyler Murray would have been a perfect fit, but if he ends up signing with the Vikings, Miami will have to explore other more limited options at the position.

The details

According to a report from CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, the Vikings are strongly linked to signing Kyler Murray, who was recently released by the Arizona Cardinals. With the Vikings potentially able to sign Murray to a one-year, veteran minimum contract, he would provide them a high-upside QB option at a low cost. This is bad news for the Dolphins, who were hoping to bring in Murray as a cheap replacement for Tagovailoa.

  • Kyler Murray was recently released by the Arizona Cardinals.

The players

Kyler Murray

A Pro Bowl dual-threat quarterback who has over 20,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in his career, with 121 passing touchdowns and 32 rushing touchdowns.

Tua Tagovailoa

The current starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, who is expected to depart the team this offseason.

Minnesota Vikings

An NFL team that is reportedly strongly linked to signing Kyler Murray as a free agent.

Miami Dolphins

An NFL team that was hoping to sign Kyler Murray as a potential replacement for the departing Tua Tagovailoa.

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What they’re saying

“But if the Vikings can't clear the cap space - and because the Colts hold right of first-refusal rights for Jones - the name circulating around Minnesota is quarterback Kyler Murray.”

— Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports Reporter (CBS Sports)

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to explore other quarterback options in free agency and the draft to find a replacement for Tua Tagovailoa, as Kyler Murray appears poised to join the Minnesota Vikings.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' hopes of landing Kyler Murray as a low-cost, high-upside replacement for Tua Tagovailoa have taken a hit, as the former Cardinals QB is reportedly strongly linked to signing with the Minnesota Vikings instead. This leaves Miami in a difficult position as they search for a new starting quarterback on a limited budget.