New Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins Contract Rumors Amid Vikings, Colts Buzz in NFL Free Agency

Kyler Murray is more likely than Kirk Cousins to accept a veteran minimum deal in free agency, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported Wednesday.

Murray is still owed $36.8 million in guaranteed salary next season following his release from the Arizona Cardinals. He is expected to choose his next team based on football rather than salary, according to Breer.

Cousins, who will receive a $10 million roster guarantee following his release by the Atlanta Falcons, is looking for a contract worth over the minimum, per Breer.

"Cousins, as I've heard it, would rather not have his new team just grab him for the minimum, mostly because he knows (particularly after what he just went through) how quickly teams can flip the script on quarterbacks—and how a team's investment in a player can dictate that," Breer wrote.

Both Murray and Cousins are expected to have interest in signing with the Minnesota Vikings or Indianapolis Colts, according to Breer.

Breer added he feels Murray's "preference" would be to sign with the Vikings.

The Vikings "plan to make a push" for Murray and "are the favorite" to land the signal-caller, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Cousins could meanwhile want to return to Minnesota after playing six seasons for the franchise between 2018 and 2023. However, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to show interest in Cousins "as they look for a veteran QB addition to help develop presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza," per The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

The Vikings have J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer under contract for next season, but could be looking to bring in some veteran competition for McCarthy after his inconsistent first season as starter in 2025.

In that case, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, who played a role in past success from both Cousins and Sam Darnold, could get the chance to revitalize Murray's career next.

Rapoport noted as of Tuesday that teams hadn't been able to speak with Murray, who announced his own impending release on March 3, because the move hadn't been officially shared by the team.

The Colts have already committed to their QB1 by re-signing Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract worth up to $100 million, although Jones is still recovering from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in December.

Jones is expected to be back in time for Week 1, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, who also cited a source saying they "absolutely" expected Jones to be back for training camp.

The Colts may want to bring in another option outside Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard if Jones' return is delayed. His anticipated recovery timeline could impact whether Indianapolis would be willing to meet Cousins' salary requirements should the franchise pursue a veteran free agent this offseason.