Kyler Murray signs with Vikings, creates QB competition with JJ McCarthy after Cardinals release: reports

Jason McIntyre explains how the QB shortage will affect teams and predicts where Malik Willis and Kyler Murray will end up.

Kyler Murray is heading north, joining the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal after his release by the Arizona Cardinals Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

Murray's arrival creates competition for J.J. McCarthy, the 2024 NFL Draft’s No. 10 overall pick who hasn’t had the best of starts to his early career.

The Cardinals still owe Murray $36.8 million, which makes this a veteran league minimum deal for the Vikings, a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing that could bode well for head coach Kevin O’Connell.

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Former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is flying north to join the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal. (Rick Scuteri/AP Photo)

Murray reportedly visited the Vikings Thursday, and the belief was he wouldn’t leave the building without a contract ironed out.

The Vikings were reported to be the "overwhelming favorite" to land Murray despite McCarthy entering his third season in 2026.

VIKINGS EMERGE AS ‘OVERWHELMING FAVORITE’ TO LAND KYLER MURRAY AFTER CARDINALS RELEASE: REPORT

McCarthy, who didn’t play his rookie year due to a season-ending injury in the preseason, got his first taste of regular-season NFL football in 2025. But McCarthy struggled despite a 6-4 record in 10 games, and injuries cost him time yet again. 

Murray’s addition confirms McCarthy’s status at quarterback is in limbo.

Murray had his own roller-coaster, seven-year tenure with Arizona, going 38-48-1 in 87 games. He apologized to Cardinals fans last week, confirming the team’s intentions to release him despite still owing him $36.8 million in guaranteed money from the