Vikings Sign Veteran QB Kyler Murray, Creating QB Competition with McCarthy

Murray joins the Vikings on a one-year deal after being released by the Arizona Cardinals.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:29pm

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The Minnesota Vikings have signed veteran quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year contract, setting up a competition for the starting job with incumbent J.J. McCarthy. Murray, the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was recently released by the Arizona Cardinals after a tumultuous tenure marked by injuries and questions about his work ethic. The Vikings see Murray as an ideal addition to their quarterback depth chart, with the potential to rejuvenate his career and earn a bigger payday next year.

Why it matters

The signing of Kyler Murray creates an intriguing quarterback competition in Minnesota, as the Vikings look to find a long-term solution at the position. McCarthy, the team's 2024 first-round pick, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, leading the Vikings to explore alternatives. Murray's arrival provides a high-upside option with significant NFL experience, potentially pushing McCarthy to develop further or allowing the Vikings to move in a different direction at quarterback.

The details

Murray, who turns 29 in August, signed a one-year contract with the Vikings for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million. This is possible because the Cardinals are still on the hook for $36.8 million in guaranteed salary for Murray this season. The Vikings see this as a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to add a talented quarterback to their roster. Murray has two Pro Bowl selections, a 67% career completion percentage, and a 2-to-1 ratio of touchdown passes to interceptions, along with 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns.

  • Murray signed with the Vikings on March 13, 2026.
  • Murray's 29th birthday is on August 7, 2026.

The players

Kyler Murray

A veteran quarterback who was recently released by the Arizona Cardinals after a tumultuous tenure marked by injuries and questions about his work ethic. Murray was the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and has two Pro Bowl selections, a 67% career completion percentage, and a 2-to-1 ratio of touchdown passes to interceptions.

J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings' 2024 first-round draft pick, whose injuries and inconsistency have raised questions about how long the team can afford to wait for him to develop. McCarthy missed his rookie season while recovering from knee surgery and had an ankle sprain, a concussion, and a broken hand that limited him to 10 starts and only eight games finished last year.

Kevin O'Connell

The Vikings' head coach, who is tasked with overseeing the quarterback competition between Murray and McCarthy. O'Connell was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, the year they won the Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“Contractually, it doesn't really make a difference to me. Every year to me is a go-out-there-and-prove-it year.”

— Kyler Murray (am1100theflag.com)

“I talked to him this week. We had a great conversation about the things he's been working on. He's focused on what's out in front of him personally, and he's attacking that every single day. He's doing great.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach (am1100theflag.com)

“I don't believe we have to name one of those currently.”

— Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach (am1100theflag.com)

“I don't want to put any limitations on what that looks like. He's had a tremendous amount of success with different quarterbacks. I know what my skill set brings to the game. I know what I'm capable of.”

— Kyler Murray (am1100theflag.com)

“Never in a million years did I think that this was going to come around full circle. I think that it's a great fit. I'm thankful for the opportunity.”

— Kyler Murray (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

The Vikings will closely monitor the quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy throughout the offseason and preseason, with a starter likely to be named before the start of the regular season.

The takeaway

The signing of Kyler Murray adds an intriguing veteran presence to the Vikings' quarterback room, creating a high-stakes competition with the team's 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy. This move underscores the Vikings' ongoing search for a long-term solution at the position and their willingness to explore all options, including reclamation projects like Murray, in their quest to find stability and success at the quarterback position.