Kyler Murray Signs Vikings Contract, Will Compete with J.J. McCarthy on QB Depth Chart

Quarterback Kyler Murray signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the one-year deal includes a no-tag clause.

This comes after Murray was released by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday.

Minnesota's interest in Murray was evident prior to the signing, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously reported that the Vikings were the "favorite" to land the signal-caller.

Arizona initially selected the 28-year-old with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, spending each of his first seven seasons as a member of the team.

Murray started his Cardinals tenure on a high note, receiving Offensive Rookie of the Year recognition for his 2019 campaign before earning Pro Bowl nods in 2020 and 2021.

He was limited to just 11 games during the 2022 season, as he suffered a torn ACL in Dec. 2022 that also caused him to make a mere eight appearances the following year.

Murray finally returned to start in all 17 regular-season contests in 2024, completing 68.8 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 572 yards and five scores.

Murray started five games for the Cardinals to open the 2025 season, throwing for 962 yards and six touchdowns while getting picked off three times. His year came to an early end due to a foot injury suffered in Week 5, as Arizona finished with a 3-14 record.

While 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy started 10 games for the Vikings last season, he reportedly isn't guaranteed to be atop their depth chart heading into 2026.

Murray and McCarthy are now expected to compete for the starting quarterback job in Minnesota as it looks to build upon a 9-8 record.