Kyler Murray’s journey as a football player began with a deep-rooted admiration for the Minnesota Vikings. Reflecting on his childhood, Murray shared, “Ever since I started playing tackle football at seven, I was a Vikings fan, surrounded by a lot of purple in my household.” Now, he’s set to don that same shade of purple once more as he signs a one-year deal with the team.

This new chapter for Murray follows his release from the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent seven seasons. The Vikings have secured his services for the veteran’s minimum salary of $1.3 million, adding a fresh dynamic to their roster. Despite this, Murray will still collect a hefty $36.8 million this year, courtesy of his guaranteed contract with the Cardinals. This financial commitment leaves Arizona shouldering the majority of his 2026 salary—$35.5 million, to be precise—despite Murray no longer being part of their squad.

In Minnesota, Murray will vie for the starting quarterback position, a role left vacant after the Vikings decided to part ways with Sam Darnold following a successful yet disappointing end to the 2024 season. Despite a 14-3 record, the team faltered in the NFC Wild Card round. The subsequent season saw J.J. McCarthy stepping in. Though technically his second year, it functioned as a rookie season due to his absence in 2024 from a knee injury. McCarthy’s 2025 campaign was plagued with further injuries, limiting him to 10 games.

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

The Vikings concluded last year with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. However, the end-of-season rally, winning their last five games, offers a glimmer of hope. As they gear up for the 2026 season, the addition of Murray could provide the spark they need to reclaim their winning form.

Instead, Murray will compete for the starting job in Minnesota. The Vikings released Sam Darnold after the 2024 season, which included a 14-3 record that ended with a disappointing loss in the NFC Wild Card round. Last season, the Vikings turned to J.J. McCarthy. Though it was technically his second season, he was essentially a rookie after missing all of 2024 with a knee injury. McCarthy played 10 games, once again missing time throughout the year with a sprained ankle and a fractured hand.

After the impressive 14-3 season in 2024, the Vikings finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs last year. The team did win its final five games, so maybe there’s some reason for optimism heading into 2026.

For Murray, it’s a “prove it” season, although he’s not approaching it any differently than he normally does.

“Every year to me is a go out there and prove it year,” he said during his introductory press conference. “I want my teammates to know I’m riding for them regardless of the circumstances, and they can count on me.”

Murray’s time in Arizona had some highs—like a playoff appearance in 2021—as well as some lows, including an injury-riddled 2025 season. For his Cardinals career, he finished with a 38-48-1 record in games he started, throwing for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions.

He’ll get a fresh start in Minnesota, even if his checks continue to come primarily from Arizona.