The Minnesota Vikings are signing quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year contract, his agent told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.
The agreement includes a no-tag clause, which will allow the 28-year-old to become a free agent in 2027. Murray is expected to earn $36.8 million this season, with the Arizona Cardinals paying all but the minimum salary of $1.3 million in 2026.
The first overall pick in the 2019 draft, Murray was released by the Cardinals on Wednesday after seven seasons. The Heisman Trophy winner flourished in in his rookie campaign with the Cardinals, winning the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honor.
Murray struggled to lead Arizona to sustained success throughout his tenure. He made only one playoff appearance, falling short in the NFC wild-card round to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.
Murray joins a quarterback room that includes 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. The 23-year-old passer has just 10 starts over two seasons due to injuries, including a torn right meniscus that caused him to miss the entirety of the 2024 season.
It’s unclear if head coach Kevin O’Connell will hold an open competition to name a starter ahead of the 2026 season.
Murray was limited to five games in 2025 after sustaining a foot injury. The dynamic dual-threat quarterback expects that he’ll be ready to go when his number is called next season.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” Murray said when asked if he expects to be the starter, per NFL.com’s Grant Gordon. “I look forward to coming in and competing.”
Murray has passed for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions during his tenure with the Cardinals. He’s one of five players in NFL history to throw for more than 20,000 yards and rush for more than 3,000 yards through seven seasons.