Why Can't Kyler Murray Sign Contract with New Team Yet When Tua Tagovailoa Could After Release?

The lack of an official announcement regarding quarterback Kyler Murray's release is reportedly holding up his ability to speak and sign with other teams.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Murray is not yet officially a free agent because the Cards have yet to publicly announce his release:

Last week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Cardinals informed Murray they would release him at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, and Murray took to X to reflect on his time with the organization:

Murray's situation is different from that of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was released by the Miami Dolphins on Monday and then agreed to a contract with the Atlanta Falcons just hours later.

The Dolphins made an official announcement on Tagovailoa's release, which made him eligible to sign elsewhere immediately.

Since news of Murray's impending release broke, he has been heavily linked to the Minnesota Vikings.

In fact, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero (h/t NFL.com's Grant Gordon) reported Sunday that the Vikings are considered the favorite to sign the veteran signal-caller.

Murray, 28, was selected first overall by the Cardinals in the 2019 NFL draft after he won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma in 2018.

The diminutive-yet-explosive quarterback made an instant impact, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2019 before getting selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2021.

Murray also led the Cards to the playoffs in 2021, but they lost in the NFC Wild Card Round and never returned to the postseason again during his tenure.

Overall, Murray started 87 regular-season games in Arizona, going 38-48-1. He also completed 67.1 percent of his passes for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions, while rushing for 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Injuries slowed Murray at times during his Cardinals tenure, including a torn ACL that cost him six games in 2022 and nine in 2023.

Last season, Murray was limited to only five starts because of a foot injury. During his absence, Jacoby Brissett performed well, and Brissett is expected to be Arizona's starter in 2026.

While Murray has had his fair share of ups and downs, his talent is undeniable, as he possesses a big arm and plenty of mobility.

Minnesota could be an ideal fit for his skill set since the Vikings boast several quality weapons on offense, including wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Murray would likely be tasked with competing with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy for the starting job. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season with a knee injury before mostly struggling as the team's primary starter in 2025.

The New York Jets and possibly the Pittsburgh Steelers could offer Murray an opportunity to start as well, depending on Aaron Rodgers' status, but no potentially interested team provides greater upside than the Vikings.