Quarterback Kyler Murray has reportedly joined the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year deal following his release by the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, according to Fox News Digital reports.

The move creates competition at quarterback for J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings' No. 10 overall selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.[3][4] McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee during the preseason, landing him on injured reserve.[5]

Murray, selected No. 1 overall by the Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft, signed a five-year contract extension worth up to $230.5 million with Arizona in July 2022.[1][2] The reports indicate the Cardinals still owe him $36.8 million in guaranteed money from that deal.

During his time with the Cardinals, Murray earned a Pro Bowl selection following the 2020 season, when he passed for 3,971 yards and 26 touchdowns while rushing for 771 yards and 11 touchdowns.[6] Injuries have limited his availability, including a torn ACL suffered in Week 14 of the 2022 season.[7]

Murray also showcased his dual-threat ability in 2021, rushing for 423 yards and five touchdowns to go with 3,787 passing yards and 24 touchdown passes.[6]

Sources

1. Arizona Cardinals (official club website), "Kyler Murray Agrees To 5-Year Contract Extension", 21 July 2022, https://www.azcardinals.com/news/kyler-murray-agrees-to-5-year-contract-extension
2. NFL.com (official league website), "Cardinals QB Kyler Murray agrees to five-year, $230.5M contract extension", 22 July 2022, https://www.nfl.com/news/cardinals-qb-kyler-murray-agrees-to-five-year-230-5m-contract-extension
3. NFL.com (official league website), "Vikings select QB J.J. McCarthy with No. 10 overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft", 25 April 2024, https://www.nfl.com/news/vikings-select-qb-j-j-mccarthy-with-no-10-overall-pick-in-2024-nfl-draft
4. Minnesota Vikings (official club website), "Vikings Select QB J.J. McCarthy in First Round of 2024 NFL Draft", 25 April 2024, https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-select-mccarthy-no-10-2024-nfl-draft
5. ESPN.com, "Vikings' J.J. McCarthy to undergo knee surgery, out for season", 20 August 2024, https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40630062/vikings-jj-mccarthy-knee-injury-ir-rookie-minicamp
6. Pro-Football-Reference.com (recognized stats database), "Kyler Murray Career Game Log", accessed 2024, https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MurrKy00/gamelog/
7. NFL.com (official league website), "Kyler Murray tears ACL in Cardinals win over 49ers", 28 November 2022, https://www.nfl.com/news/kyler-murray-tears-acl-in-cardinals-win-over-49ers