Kyler Murray weighing Vikings starting job, backup options elsewhere after Cardinals release

Kyler Murray will visit the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, but they’re not the only team in the running for his services, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported Wednesday.

While a starting job, like the one that could be had in Minnesota, is a priority, Gambadoro added that Murray’s camp will explore several 2026 backup options with a path to start in 2027, such as the Los Angeles Rams with Matthew Stafford.

Multiple reports consider the Vikings the favorite to sign Murray. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini adds Murray will undergo a physical in Minnesota.

Murray was officially released by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday at the start of the new league year.

“With the start of the new league year and transactions now official, we want to thank Kyler for everything he has done for this organization over the last seven years,” general manager Monti Ossenfort said in a statement.

“We are extremely grateful for his contributions both on the field and off and wish him nothing but the absolute best moving forward.”

The news comes after Murray was informed about his impending release, which could not become official until the start of the new league year, last week. The signal caller also posted a goodbye message on social media.

Murray hits the open market following seven seasons and one playoff appearance with the Cardinals. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick went 38-48-1 during his Arizona tenure. He made two Pro Bowls and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The writing was on the wall midway through last season that Murray and Arizona were headed for a split.

After appearing in five games and posting a 2-3 record, Murray was placed on injured reserve with a midfoot sprain suffered in a Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans as Arizona turned to Jacoby Brissett for the rest of the year.

Brissett won one fewer game than Murray across 12 starts (1-11) but did push an offense with a struggling line and nearly nonexistent run game forward the rest of the year.

He’s now expected to serve as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback in 2026, with new addition Gardner Minshew filling in as Brissett’s backup.

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