Kyler Murray joins Vikings after Cardinals release

The former No. 1 overall pick signs a one-year deal with Minnesota after being cut by Arizona

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:19pm

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Quarterback Kyler Murray has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings after being released by the Arizona Cardinals. Murray, the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, had a tumultuous 2025 season in Arizona marked by injury and conflict with the coaching staff. After being placed on injured reserve and eventually shut down for the year, the Cardinals decided to move on from Murray and released him. The Vikings, who were in the market for a quarterback, quickly swooped in and signed Murray to a one-year contract, giving him a chance to revive his career in Minnesota.

Why it matters

This move represents a fresh start for Murray, who had grown frustrated with the situation in Arizona. The Vikings offer him the opportunity to play for a playoff contender and potentially earn a long-term deal if he can recapture his early career success. For the Vikings, adding Murray gives them a high-upside option at quarterback to compete with incumbent starter J.J. McCarthy. If the partnership works out, it could solidify the Vikings' QB position for years to come.

The details

After being placed on injured reserve in November 2025 with a foot injury, Murray and the Cardinals mutually agreed to shut him down for the rest of the season. With a new coaching staff coming in and Murray's contract guarantees looming, the team decided to release the former Heisman Trophy winner. Murray and his agent quickly identified the Vikings as his best option, and Minnesota moved quickly to sign him to a one-year deal with the hope of him winning the starting job over McCarthy.

  • Murray was placed on injured reserve on November 5, 2025.
  • Murray and the Cardinals mutually agreed to shut him down for the rest of the 2025 season on December 5, 2025.
  • The Cardinals released Murray on March 15, 2026.
  • Murray signed with the Vikings on March 16, 2026.

The players

Kyler Murray

A 28-year-old quarterback who was the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.

Minnesota Vikings

An NFL team that signed Murray to a one-year contract in 2026 after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals.

Arizona Cardinals

The NFL team that drafted Kyler Murray first overall in 2019 but released him in 2026 after a tumultuous 2025 season.

J.J. McCarthy

The current starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, who will compete with Kyler Murray for the starting job.

Erik Burkhardt

Kyler Murray's agent who helped facilitate his move from the Cardinals to the Vikings.

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What they’re saying

“This is where I want to be.”

— Kyler Murray

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Vikings will hold an open competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback job during the offseason program and training camp.

The takeaway

Kyler Murray's move from the Cardinals to the Vikings represents a fresh start for the former No. 1 overall pick, who is looking to revive his career after a tumultuous 2025 season in Arizona. The Vikings are betting on Murray's high upside, giving him a chance to compete for the starting job and potentially solidify their QB position long-term if he can regain his early career form.