The Arizona Cardinals officially released quarterback Kyler Murray, a move that was widely anticipated around the league. Soon after the news broke, reports surfaced that the Minnesota Vikings are considered the overwhelming favorite to sign him.
NFL World Reacts to Kyler Murray Potentially Joining the Vikings
The possibility of Murray landing in Minnesota quickly sparked reactions across the NFL as analysts weighed what the move could mean for both parties, and for J.J. McCarthy.
News broke when Adam Schefter reported that the Arizona Cardinals had officially released Murray. Schefter added that the Vikings are viewed as the overwhelming favorite to sign the former Pro Bowl quarterback.
He reported: “The Arizona Cardinals officially have released QB Kyler Murray. With Murray now free, the Minnesota Vikings are considered the overwhelming favorite to sign him. In the words of one source: ‘I’d be shocked if he’s not a Viking.'”
The report quickly sent social media into a frenzy as fans and analysts began imagining what Murray could look like in Minnesota’s offense.
The Arizona Cardinals officially have released QB Kyler Murray.
With Murray now free, the Minnesota Vikings are considered the overwhelming favorite to sign him.
In the words of one source: “I’d be shocked if he’s not a Viking.” pic.twitter.com/yKBs6dNj0P
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2026
NFL analyst Brett Kollmann pointed out what the move could mean for McCarthy. Kollmann suggested that if Minnesota signs Murray to start, the Vikings could explore a quarterback swap with the Indianapolis Colts involving Anthony Richardson.
“If the Vikings bring in Kyler explicitly to start for them, one wonders what then happens to J.J. McCarthy. Dare I say, Indy and Minnesota swap their young guys and move on?”
Another reaction focused on how Murray might perform under O’Connell compared to past quarterbacks in the system.
The Vikings fan account The Purple Persuasion shared a graphic comparing Murray’s career numbers with those of Sam Darnold before he arrived in Minnesota. The post highlighted that Murray holds the advantage in most major statistical categories.
Sam Darnold and Kyler Murray before KOC and the Vikings. https://t.co/u9AoGpS3Rm pic.twitter.com/txJv5L7nJz
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) March 11, 2026
NFL writer Tyler Dunne referenced the criticism the Vikings received for previous quarterback decisions and suggested a pairing between Murray and O’Connell could generate excitement.
“Vikings justifiably took their licks for the Sam Darnold decision as Seattle rampaged to a title. All along, KOC + Kyler Murray made the most sense. Could be exciting as hell. Cannot bet on Nine.”
Vikings beat writer Will Ragatz also shared his perspective on how the situation could unfold if Murray ends up with the Vikings. Ragatz suggested that Murray would likely arrive as the clear starter rather than part of an open quarterback competition.
“I have a very, very, very hard time believing Kyler Murray wouldn’t be coming to Minnesota to be the starting quarterback. The Vikings may want J.J. McCarthy to view it as a competition, but I wouldn’t see it that way.”
NFL insider Tom Pelissero added financial context to the Murray-Vikings situation. Pelissero pointed out that Murray is still owed significant guaranteed money from the Cardinals this season. Because of that structure, the expectation is that Murray would sign a minimum deal with his next team.
“The Cardinals owe Kyler Murray $36.8M fully guaranteed this season, so the expectation is he’ll sign a one-year minimum deal. If it is indeed in Minnesota, he would compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job.”
The Cardinals owe Kyler Murray $36.8M fully guaranteed this season, so the expectation is he’ll sign a one-year minimum deal. If it is indeed in Minnesota, he would compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job. https://t.co/NVghg7zD7A
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2026
The contract situation would make Murray a low-risk addition for Minnesota if the Vikings ultimately sign the former Pro Bowl quarterback.
Another reaction came from ESPN analyst Louis Riddick during a segment shared by the NFL on ESPN account. Riddick spoke directly about what signing Murray could mean for McCarthy.
“It’s over. It’s over for J.J. [McCarthy]. … I know Minnesota moved up to 10 to pick him, it’s going to be time to move on from him.”
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel also reacted to the possibility of Murray landing with the Vikings. Daniel shared a video breakdown of Murray’s game and explained why he views the potential signing as an ideal match for Minnesota’s roster.
“Kyler Murray to the Vikings is going to be my favorite move in free agency. If he can just be a mid-level QB…the Vikings can easily be a 10-win playoff team with that roster. #SKOL.”
The numbers shared by PFSN’s X account only add more context to the debate around Murray and what he has meant to the Cardinals’ era since 2019. While his time in Arizona may be ending, the data shows a quarterback who consistently produced across multiple categories — from touchdowns to efficiency and even rushing impact.
Ranking top-10 in completion percentage and among the best rushing QBs at the position, Murray’s versatility has never really been in question. His career grade of 76.7 in PFSN’s QB Impact metric further reinforces that he has remained an above-average starter throughout his tenure. Whether critics buy in or not, the numbers suggest Murray’s next chapter could still hold plenty of intrigue.
