kyler murray vikings is now the storyline driving the next turn of the quarterback market after the Arizona Cardinals informed quarterback Kyler Murray that he has been released. The development surfaced during the free-agency rush, with Minnesota immediately positioned as a team ready to act. The Minnesota Vikings plan to push to sign Kyler Murray once the release becomes official, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero said.
Cardinals inform Kyler Murray he is released
Ian Rapoport, identified as an NFL media insider, said the Arizona Cardinals have informed Kyler Murray that he has been released. The update places Murray squarely into the center of a quarterback spotlight that has been tightening as other options come off the board.
In the same fast-moving free-agency window, multiple roster decisions and contracts were discussed by NFL Network insiders, underscoring how quickly front offices are reshaping depth charts. The immediate significance here: Murray’s availability is no longer theoretical—he has been told he is out in Arizona, and teams that have been linked to him can move aggressively.
Kyler Murray Vikings push emerges as Minnesota’s next move
Pelissero said the Minnesota Vikings plan to push to sign quarterback Kyler Murray with his official release from the Arizona Cardinals. That statement is the clearest on-the-record indicator in the provided information that Minnesota intends to be active on Murray.
Separately, analysis framed Murray as “the next quarterback to watch, ” with the Vikings described as strongly linked to him. That same discussion described a financial pathway in which Murray could take a one-year deal for the minimum based on his years of service ($1. 3 million) while still holding full guarantees from the Cardinals in 2026 totaling $36. 8 million, leaving a $35. 5 million balance tied to Arizona’s commitment. It also described a scenario where the Vikings could have Murray and J. J. McCarthy under contract for the coming year at a total cap charge of less than $7. 3 million.
As the market narrows, the same discussion said the Dolphins, Falcons, Jets, and Colts are now out of the mix for a potential Kyler courtship, while the Steelers are waiting for Aaron Rodgers. It added that the only other team that could conceivably enter the conversation is the Browns.
In addition, it said Murray’s preferred destinations previously included the Raiders and the Vikings, but noted Chip Kelly is no longer in Las Vegas—leaving Minnesota as the remaining preference in that account. Betting movement was also described, including Minnesota opening as a -110 favorite and moving to -295 before the bet went off the board.
Immediate reactions from league insiders as other deals move
Rapoport’s statement on the release set the baseline: Kyler Murray is no longer with the Cardinals. Pelissero’s statement set the next pressure point: the Vikings plan to push to sign him once the release is official.
Pelissero also detailed other league movement during the same stretch, including the Buffalo Bills signing defensive end Bradley Chubb to a three-year, $43. 5M contract and the New England Patriots agreeing with safety Kevin Byard III on a one-year, $9M contract. He further said the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms with quarterback Sam Howell and that quarterback Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts agreed to a two-year, $88M deal.
Elsewhere, Mike Garafolo said former NFL quarterback Derek Carr could return to the NFL, while Rapoport said the Washington Commanders signed safety Nick Cross on a two-year, $14 million deal. The combined effect is a market in motion, with teams making quick, decisive moves at premium positions—especially quarterback.
Quick context
Murray’s release lands as the quarterback carousel continues, with multiple passers already described as “off the board for 2026. ” The Vikings have been repeatedly linked to Murray, and league insiders have now put Minnesota’s intent into direct terms.
What’s next
The next signal to watch is whether Minnesota’s push turns into a signed deal once the release is processed, and whether any additional team enters the conversation as Murray’s options tighten. For now, the league has a clear headline: kyler murray vikings is no longer a hypothetical pairing—it is an active pursuit described by a named NFL Network insider, with the quarterback officially informed he is out in Arizona.
