Trending Now - Vikings Set Sights on Free Agent QB Kyler Murray After Release

WHO:

Kyler Murray's agent, Erik Burkhardt, confirmed that Murray plans to meet via Zoom with executives from three to five teams that may have a quarterback need in 2027.

Kyler Murray's agent is Erik Burkhardt.

Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort stated, "With the start of the new league year and transactions now official, we want to thank Kyler for everything he has done for this organization over the last seven years."

Kyler Murray's agent is Erik Burkhardt.

Kyler Murray will visit the Minnesota Vikings on March 12th, 2026.

Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort stated, "We want to thank Kyler for everything he has done for this organization over the last seven years."

Kyler Murray, 28, was released by the Arizona Cardinals at the start of the new league year on March 11th, 2026.

J.J. McCarthy, 2024 first-round pick, is entering his third season with the Minnesota Vikings.

President Trump is not mentioned in the articles.

Trey Hendrickson, 31-year-old former Bengals pass rusher.

Kyler Murray, two-time Pro Bowler.

Pete Prisco, analyst who ranked Hendrickson as the No. 1 free agent.

Minnesota Vikings, a team linked to Kyler Murray.

Other teams mentioned: Dolphins, Falcons, Jets, Colts, Steelers, Browns.

WHAT:

Kyler Murray is ranked No. 40 on The Athletic’s list of the top 150 free agents of 2026, making him the third-best quarterback available.

Murray finished the 2025 season with 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in five games.

Kyler Murray was officially released by the Arizona Cardinals on March 11th, 2026.

Murray's five-year contract extension signed in 2022 was worth $230.5 million, with $36.8 million in full guarantees remaining for 2026.

Murray's career statistics with the Cardinals include 121 touchdown passes and 3,193 rushing yards.

Murray plans to meet via Zoom with executives from three to five teams that may have a quarterback need in 2027.

Murray's potential teams include the Jets, Steelers, Browns, Falcons, and Rams.

Murray's contract for 2026 is expected to be a one-year deal for $1.3 million.

Murray's camp will explore backup options with a path to start in 2027, including the Los Angeles Rams.

Murray was informed about his impending release last week, which became official on March 11th, 2026.

Kyler Murray confirmed the Cardinals' intentions to release him, stating, "To everyone that supported me... I am sorry I failed us."

Murray's career record with the Cardinals is 38-48-1 over 87 games.

Last season, Murray went 2-3 in five games, throwing for six touchdowns and three interceptions before a foot injury ended his season.

Jacoby Brissett took over as the Cardinals' starter, throwing for a career-high 3,366 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The formal start of the 2026 NFL season begins on March 11th, 2026.

The Ravens backed out of a trade for Maxx Crosby with the Raiders.

Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks with 17.5 in 2024 and 17.5 in 2023.

Kyler Murray has $36.8 million in full guarantees from the Cardinals in 2026.

Murray can take a one-year deal for the minimum of $1.3 million.

The total cap charge for the Vikings could be less than $7.3 million if they sign Murray and J.J. McCarthy.

Minnesota opened as a -110 favorite for Murray’s next team, moving to -295 before the bet was taken off the board.

WHERE:

The NFL season starts in the United States.

The Vikings are based in Minnesota.

The Cardinals are based in Arizona.

WHEN:

Murray was officially released by the Arizona Cardinals at 4 p.m. ET on March 11th, 2026.

The 2026 NFL free agency period officially began on March 11th, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.

Murray will visit the Vikings on March 12th, 2026.

The Vikings are expected to conduct a physical for Murray on March 12th, 2026.

The NFL free agency period begins on March 11th, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.

The Ravens backed out of the trade on March 10th, 2026.

The 2026 NFL season begins on March 11th, 2026.

WHY:

The Minnesota Vikings are considered the "overwhelming favorite" to sign Kyler Murray, as other teams like the Dolphins, Falcons, Jets, and Colts are no longer in the mix for his services.

The Cardinals are moving forward with Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, with Gardner Minshew as his backup.

Murray's camp is exploring backup options with a path to start in 2027, including the Los Angeles Rams with Matthew Stafford.

The Cardinals are moving forward with Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season, with Gardner Minshew as his backup.

The Cardinals finished the 2025 season with a record of 3-14, leading to the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Teams must be salary cap-compliant by the start of the new league year, prompting trades, releases, and contract restructures.

The Vikings are cap-strapped and looking for a quarterback.

HOW:

The Vikings could have both Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy under contract for the coming year at a total cap charge of less than $7.3 million.

The Vikings are considered the "overwhelming favorite" to sign Kyler Murray, according to ESPN.

The Minnesota Vikings are considered the "overwhelming favorite" to sign Kyler Murray, according to ESPN.

The NFL free agency process allows players to become free agents and negotiate contracts starting at 4 p.m. ET on March 11th, 2026.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 19:16 UTC)

Kyler Murray's agent has confirmed that Murray plans to meet via Zoom with executives from three to five teams that may need a quarterback in 2027. Recently released by the Arizona Cardinals, Murray is ranked No. 40 on The Athletic’s list of the top 150 free agents of 2026, making him the third-best quarterback available after finishing the 2025 season with 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in just five games. The Minnesota Vikings are seen as the overwhelming favorite to sign him, potentially allowing them to have both Murray and J.J. McCarthy under contract for less than $7.3 million in total cap charges for the upcoming year.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 13:20 UTC)

Kyler Murray was officially released by the Arizona Cardinals on March 11, 2026, as the team prepares for the new league year with Jacoby Brissett set to be their starting quarterback. General manager Monti Ossenfort expressed gratitude for Murray's contributions over the past seven years, during which he recorded 121 touchdown passes and 3,193 rushing yards. Now, the Vikings are seen as the overwhelming favorite to sign the former star quarterback, who had a five-year contract extension worth $230.5 million with $36.8 million guaranteed remaining for 2026.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 11:08 UTC)

Kyler Murray's agent, Erik Burkhardt, has announced that Murray plans to meet via Zoom with executives from several teams that may need a quarterback in 2027, including the Jets, Steelers, Browns, Falcons, and Rams. Today, March 12, 2026, he will visit the Vikings, who are seen as the overwhelming favorite to sign him, while his contract for this year is expected to be a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. Murray's camp is actively exploring backup options that could lead to a starting position in 2027, particularly with the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 07:16 UTC)

In a significant move, Kyler Murray will visit the Minnesota Vikings today, March 12, 2026, as he explores backup options after being released by the Arizona Cardinals last week. Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort expressed gratitude for Murray's contributions over the past seven years, while the team shifts its focus to Jacoby Brissett as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Murray's camp is also considering a potential starting role with the Los Angeles Rams in 2027.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 05:23 UTC)

In a significant move, Kyler Murray was released by the Arizona Cardinals as the new league year began on March 11, 2026, confirming the team's intentions and expressing regret to his supporters. During his time with the Cardinals, Murray posted a career record of 38 wins, 48 losses, and 1 tie, and last season, he managed just two wins in five games before a foot injury cut his season short. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings are being seen as the "overwhelming favorite" to sign Murray, as they prepare for his potential addition to their roster.

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 23:06 UTC)

Today marks the formal start of the 2026 NFL season, with free agency opening at 4 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Vikings, who are looking for a quarterback, have been linked to Kyler Murray, while Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL in sacks for the past two seasons, has been ranked as the top free agent by analyst Pete Prisco. Meanwhile, the Ravens backed out of a trade for Maxx Crosby with the Raiders just yesterday.