Kyler Murray Signs One-Year Deal With Minnesota Vikings

Former Cardinals QB joins Vikings, bringing fantasy football implications for 2026 season

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:04pm

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The Minnesota Vikings have signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Murray, who struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in 2025, will now have the chance to compete for the starting job in Minnesota after the team's 2024 starter, Sam Darnold, led them to a Super Bowl championship.

Why it matters

This move could have significant fantasy football implications, as Murray will now have the chance to work with one of the league's top wide receivers in Justin Jefferson. However, Murray's recent decline in production raises questions about whether he can return to the form that made him one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the NFL.

The details

In 2025, Murray started just five games for the Cardinals, averaging 192.4 passing yards per game with six touchdowns and three interceptions. His QBR of 47.2 was a career-low, and the Cardinals ultimately decided to go with Jacoby Brissett as their starter later in the season. Brissett outperformed Murray statistically, averaging 280.5 passing yards per game with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

  • Kyler Murray signed his one-year deal with the Vikings on March 12, 2026.

The players

Kyler Murray

A former first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals, Murray has shown flashes of brilliance in his NFL career but struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in 2025.

Justin Jefferson

One of the NFL's top wide receivers, Jefferson will be Murray's primary target in Minnesota as the Vikings look to improve their passing game in 2026.

Sam Darnold

The Vikings' starting quarterback in 2024, Darnold led the team to a Super Bowl championship.

Jacoby Brissett

The Cardinals' starting quarterback for much of the 2025 season, Brissett outperformed Murray statistically.

JJ McCarthy

The Vikings' starting quarterback in 2025, whose inconsistent play led the team to sign Murray.

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What’s next

The Vikings will give Murray the opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback job in 2026, and his performance could have a significant impact on the fantasy football value of Justin Jefferson and other pass-catching options in Minnesota.

The takeaway

This move represents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Vikings, as they look to get their passing game back on track after a down year in 2025. If Murray can recapture his early-career form, it could pay dividends for the team and their fantasy football owners. However, his recent struggles raise concerns about whether he can truly elevate the Vikings' offense.