NFL free agency: Kyler Murray released by Cardinals; Vikings among favorites
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Kyler Murray’s time with the Arizona Cardinals is officially over after the team released him at the start of the new league year on Wednesday.
Murray is now a free agent who can talk to any team interested in his services in 2026 and beyond. However, it looks like one team will be heavily pursuing the former No. 1 overall pick.
The Minnesota Vikings are the “overwhelming favorite” to sign Murray, despite 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy entering his third season with the club. According to ESPN.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws a pass during the first half against the Tennessee Titans in Glendale, Arizona, Oct. 5, 2025. (Rick Scuteri/AP)
McCarthy, who did not play his rookie year due to a preseason injury, got his first taste of regular season NFL football in 2025. But McCarthy has struggled despite his 6-4 record in 10 games. Injuries cost him time once again.
With McCarthy’s status in Minnesota uncertain, head coach Kevin O’Connell and the rest of the organization appear to be looking for a veteran who can step in as McCarthy develops.
Murray may be the first to give the signal after an up-and-down seven-year tenure in Arizona, going 38-48-1 in 87 games. He apologized to Cardinals fans last week and confirmed the team’s intention to release him even though they still owe him $36.8 million in guaranteed money from the five-year, $230.5 million extension he signed in 2022.
ATHLETICS GM ‘ALWAYS OPEN’ FOR KYLER MURRAY MEETING AHEAD OF CARDINALS’ EXPECTED DEMO
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my family and everyone who supported me and showed kindness to me during my time in AZ,” Murray wrote to X. Murray wrote: “I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end a 77 year drought for this organization, I’m sorry to disappoint us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.”
“I’m no stranger to challenges, I’m prepared for whatever comes next. I trust God and my work ethic. I truly believe the best ball is in front of me and I can’t wait to prove it. For God’s sake.”
Murray, 28, has had an up-and-down NFL career so far, and injuries and inconsistent play have been a story he hasn’t been able to shake off despite games proving why the team loves him as the first overall pick.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys on December 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Last season, Murray went 2-3 in five games, throwing six touchdowns and three interceptions, before a foot injury knocked him out the rest of the way. Jacoby Brissett, who will serve as the team’s starter in the second year of a two-year deal he signed with the team in the offseason last season, replaced Murray and, despite what the record says, succeeded. He threw for a career-high 3,366 yards with 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
However, the Cardinals went 3-14 and the team went in a different direction, firing head coach Jonathan Gannon. Mike LaFleur, who serves as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator, will replace him through 2026.
Early in his Cardinals tenure, Murray was a player to improve on after making back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2020 and 2021; The latter threw for 3,787 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 423 yards with five scores on the ground. He also rushed for 819 yards with 11 rushing scores in 2020, and that’s part of his game that makes him so exciting.
But injuries have disrupted Murray’s career, including tearing his ACL in Week 14 of the 2022 season and missing nine games in 2023. Then, after a 17-game season in 2024, he suffered a foot injury.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray warms up before his game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
With quarterback-needy teams like the Miami Dolphins (Malik Willis) and New York Jets (Geno Smith) already filling out their depth charts earlier this week, the Vikings appear to be the best option if Murray wants to get a fresh start and a shot at the playoffs.
It’s also worth noting that the Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t have a starting quarterback for next season, as they’re apparently waiting for word on what Aaron Rodgers wants to do in 2026.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
