Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray could be looking for a new home this offseason. The Cardinals could reportedly cut Murray, barring any last-minute trade, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Murray is in the second year of a $230.5 million contract that he signed in 2022. Per The Athletic, he is on the Cardinals’ books for $125.1 million through 2028. Nearly $40 million is fully guaranteed in 2026. If the Cardinals release Murray outright in March, they will take a dead-cap hit of $57.7 million. If they release him after June 1, the dead cap would be split: $50.5 million in 2026 and $7.2 million in 2027.
Luckily for the Cardinals if they do decide to move on from Murray, the cap is expected to be up heading into the 2026-2027 season.
Murray threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in five games before missing the rest of last season with a foot injury. The 28-year-old quarterback spent his first seven seasons with the Cardinals and has played in only one playoff game. Murray has missed 30 games in his NFL career.
Despite his injuries and lack of playoff experience, the Minnesota Vikings could reportedly be one of the teams interested in Murray if he hits the open market.
A change of scenery could make sense for all parties involved. The Vikings could bring in a new quarterback after being plagued by J.J. McCarthy’s inconsistencies and injuries last season. The team is looking to win now after a 14–3 season and a playoff appearance in 2024. Despite taking McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in 2024, the Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who has been connected to trading up to select him.
Justin Jefferson could potentially be the best receiver Murray has played with since DeAndre Hopkins. While Murray gives Jefferson a veteran quarterback after playing with three quarterbacks last season.
The Cardinals could also move on from Murray and acquire a quarterback who more closely fits new head coach Mike LaFleur’s system. Arizona has reportedly been linked to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who played under LaFleur with the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers.
If the Cardinals do not move on from Murray, or if he signs with another team, the Vikings could reportedly target veteran quarterbacks Geno Smith of the Las Vegas Raiders, Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins and Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons. Each quarterback is expected to be moved by his team and could challenge McCarthy for the starting job.
The Vikings will also reportedly free up cap space after releasing veterans Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave on Sunday.