Latest Vikings, Kyler Murray News Fuels Signing Rumors: Report

The Minnesota Vikings are about to take their first significant step toward signing free-agent quarterback Kyler Murray.
Arizona Cardinals reporter Kyle Odegard broke relevant news on that front Wednesday, March 11 via social media.
“I’m hearing that Kyler Murray is likely flying to Minnesota tonight to meet with the Vikings,” Odegard posted to X.
Odegard’s report is in step with one issued earlier in the day by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, who dubbed Minnesota as the clubhouse leader for Murray’s services following his official release.
“The #Vikings’ plan to make a push for Kyler Murray and [they] are the favorite to land the former No. 1 pick, sources tell me and @TomPelissero,” Rapoport wrote on X. “Finally released now by Arizona, Murray will take his time and wants to hear directly from other teams. But Minnesota is the team to beat.”
No reports of meetings between Murray and any other franchises have yet emerged, and the Vikings could try to lock the two-time Pro Bowler into an agreement before he gets a chance to hear pitches from any competitors.
Minnesota has a strong case with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison leading the wide receivers room, and two-time Pro Bowl tight end TJ Hockenson back in 2026 after a contract restructure.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is also one of the most respected offensive minds in the NFL and is sure to be a point man, if not the point man, in Minnesota’s aggressive pursuit of Murray.
Vikings Must Sell Kyler Murray on Incentives Besides Money to Come to Minnesota
Scheme, system fit and roster talent should be the primary selling points in Murray’s first-ever experience with free agency, as his money is likely already set for the 2026 campaign.
The Cardinals owe the QB a total of $36 million next season, which means Murray can only make more money than that by signing a multiyear agreement somewhere in the league that will pay him north of $36 million in bonuses and salary in Year 1.
Barring that, Murray is likely to ink a veterans league minimum deal worth $1.3 million, which his new team will pay. Arizona will then pay the remaining balance on its $36 million tab.
As such, O’Connell’s success over his first four seasons in Minnesota (43-25 record with two playoff appearances and one NFC North Division title), as well as his offensive expertise and general demeanor, will be important factors in convincing Murray that the Vikings are the team for him.
Kyler Murray Signing Likely Means End of JJ McCarthy Era in Minnesota
That is also almost certainly going to mean assurances that Murray enters the organization as the clear QB1 and will not need to worry about competing with JJ McCarthy for the starting job.
McCarthy, a former No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft, is entering his third professional season in 2026 and has started just 10 games for the Vikings over two years due to multiple injury issues.
If Minnesota lands Murray, some league analysts believe that will mean the end of McCarthy’s run in Minnesota.