Two Kyler Murray Updates Hit Vikings Orbit
Minnesota Vikings fans are officially on Kyler Murray Watch, as the franchise is widely expected to sign the 28-year-old to pair with J.J. McCarthy in the 2026 quarterback room. And after a quiet day on the Murray front to start free agency on Monday, Tuesday brought a couple of updates: Murray won’t talk to teams until Wednesday, and he’s playing his newfound free agency by the book.
Minnesota’s quarterback picture hinges on one more major domino: Murray.
The Vikings basically must wait until Murray is formally released to speak with him.
QB Dominoes Alter Kyler Murray’s Market
Minnesota’s main offseason addition awaits.
Report: Wednesday Is the Day for Murray, Vikings
Most franchises would’ve released Murray by now to let him mingle with other teams — like the Miami Dolphins did with Tua Tagovailoa — but the Arizona Cardinals are doing it the hard way, taking the situation down to the wire, even after Murray has said goodbye to all Arizonans.
NFL reporter Evan Sidery tweeted Tuesday, “The Vikings will meet with Kyler Murray tomorrow once he’s officially released by the Cardinals, per Ian Rapoport. Minnesota is the favorite to sign Murray, and all indications point to that happening very soon.”
So, if you’re a Murray-to-Minnesota enthusiast, get a good night’s sleep on Tuesday and prepare for the smoke on Wednesday.
Playing By the Rules
For clarity, Arizona Sports‘ John Gambadoro tweeted, “Kyler Murray and his camp seem to be playing everything within the rules. Am told they will not discuss him with any other teams until he is officially released by the Cardinals. Could be why everything with him was so quiet today.”
Two offseasons ago, the Vikings were indirectly affected when Kirk Cousins spoke prematurely to the Atlanta Falcons, resulting in a small tampering penalty. Perhaps all sides (Murray’s camp + Minnesota’s brass) have been warned to avoid that fate in 2026.
It’s worth noting that Minnesota probably does have Murray in its sights, as no quarterback moves were made on Monday, the first day of free agency, when passers like Malik Willis, Marcus Mariota, Kenny Pickett, and Gardner Minshew signed with teams.
NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero added Sunday, “If you’re Kyler and his agent, it makes a lot of sense to take advantage of this. He’s never been a free agent before.”
“He’s not interfaced with a lot of teams and executives since he came out in the draft back in 2019, and for Kyler, who’s going to be a free agent in 2027 after taking a one-year minimum deal this year it makes sense to take his time and explore his options here before deciding to take the next important step in his career.”
Jets, Steelers, and Browns?
While the Jets have Justin Fields under contract, his 2025 performance didn’t inspire confidence that he’s the long-term answer at quarterback, especially with Aaron Glenn as the head coach. Murray might view New York as an appealing destination where he could immediately step into the QB1 role. Minnesota presents a different scenario, as McCarthy remains part of their future plans and would factor into any quarterback competition.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers continues to loom over the Steelers’ offseason plans, leaving the franchise in a familiar state of waiting. The Steelers could bypass that uncertainty by turning to Murray, installing him as their immediate QB1 — a role he could likely fill capably for several seasons.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation is less clear. With Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel currently in the mix, the Browns’ long-term intentions are difficult to decipher. Murray landing in Cleveland remains a long shot, though technically possible.
Despite these other potential destinations, Minnesota is universally considered the most likely landing spot for Murray, especially if Rodgers chooses to remain in Pittsburgh.
Non-Murray Options if It Falls Through
If one pretends that the Murray rumor mill was made-up or the plan falls through, the Vikings would have a handful of credible options at quarterback. A list could look like this if Murray signs with the Steelers or Jets, for example:
- Kirk Cousins
- Joe Flacco
- Jimmy Garoppolo
- Mac Jones (trade)
- Aaron Rodgers
- Geno Smith
- Russell Wilson
It’s basically the same proposed list minus the aforementioned Willis, who signed with the Miami Dolphins on Monday, and Tua Tagovailoa, who joined Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta.
If the Vikings sign Murray, they’ll employ a quarterback with a better career EPA+CPOE than Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Daniel Jones, and C.J. Stroud. In a 17-game season, Murray averages about 4,000 passing yards, 30 total touchdowns, and over 600 rushing yards.
Circle Wednesday on your calendar.
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