Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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NFL insiders continue to mention Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray as a potential target for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. However, Murray’s injury history, including a torn ACL in 2022 and a foot injury that ended his 2023 season, as well as his fully guaranteed $19.5 million contract for 2027, could make a trade difficult. The Vikings would also have to consider Murray’s past issues with independent film study requirements.

Why it matters

The Vikings are in need of a long-term solution at quarterback, but adding an injury-prone player like Murray could be risky, especially given the team’s recent experience with quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s injury issues. The financial and contractual details of a potential Murray acquisition would also have to be carefully navigated.

The details

Kyler Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million extension with the Cardinals in July 2022, but he has struggled with injuries since then. He missed the final four games of the 2022 season and the first nine games of 2023 due to a torn ACL, and he appeared in only five games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending foot injury. Murray has played just one full season since 2020 and has missed 21 games over the past three years. The Cardinals would have to take on at least $17.9 million in dead salary-cap space if they traded Murray, and it’s unclear what type of draft pick they could get in return.

In December 2022, Murray suffered a torn ACL that forced him to miss the final four games of the 2022 season and the first nine games of 2023.In 2023, Murray appeared in only five games before suffering a season-ending foot injury.On March 15, 2027, Murray is set to receive a fully guaranteed $19.5 million salary.
The players

Kyler Murray

The Arizona Cardinals’ starting quarterback, who signed a five-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022 but has struggled with injuries since then.

Kevin O’Connell

The head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who has been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Murray.

J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback, who has also dealt with injury issues.

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What they’re saying

“He would be one of the top quarterbacks available via trade or release if that goes down, and most around the league do expect that to go down, and he’ll be available. He’s got the high guarantees of nearly $40 million, all of that triggers by mid-March. So, they have to come to a resolution here in the coming weeks. He wants to go to a winner. … So, you figure maybe Minnesota could be an option for him. We’ll see what happens.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Insider (ESPN)

“When I look at Kyler, it would be a landing spot like (Minnesota).”

— Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated Columnist (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Cardinals will have to decide by mid-March whether to trade, release, or keep Kyler Murray, who is set to receive a fully guaranteed $19.5 million salary for the 2027 season.

The takeaway

While the Vikings could be an intriguing landing spot for Kyler Murray, the team would have to carefully weigh the risks associated with his injury history and the financial implications of acquiring him. The Vikings’ recent experience with quarterback injuries may make them hesitant to take on another high-profile, injury-prone player.