Kyler Murray could reportedly be cut by Cardinals; Vikings could be interested

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray could be looking for a new home this offseason. The Cardinals could 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 extension 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 designate hims as a post-June 1 release, the dead cap would be split: $50.5 million in 2026 and $7.2 million in 2027.

Either way, it will be a significant financial hit if the Cardinals decide to move on from Murray.

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 has played in only one playoff game across seven NFL seasons. Murray has missed 30 games in his pro career with various injuries.

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 draft pick in 2024, the Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who was in charge when the Vikings traded up to select the QB.

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 free agent 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 freed up cap space after releasing veterans Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave on Sunday.