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Vikings Name Kyler Murray Starting QB on One-Year Deal

8/11/2026

Summary

Murray Becomes Starter

The Minnesota Vikings named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback for 2026.
Murray signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal after the Arizona Cardinals released him, which left the Cardinals still owing him $35.5 million for 2026.
Murray completed 110 of 161 passes for 962 yards and three interceptions before a Week 5 sprain.
J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 2024 draft pick, started ten games in 2025 and will serve as Murray’s backup.

Summary

Murray Signs Deal

The one-year deal blocks the Vikings from franchise-tagging Murray in 2027, making him a free agent after the season.
Murray has about 33 days before the Sept. 13 opener to learn head coach O’Connell’s timing-based offense.
O’Connell previously revived Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins and hopes to repeat that success with Murray.
Minnesota’s defense, ranked No. 3 in yards and No. 7 in points allowed last season, will support Murray.

Summary

Steelers Eye McCarthy

Analysts say the Pittsburgh Steelers could trade for J.J. McCarthy, offering a mid-round draft pick for a younger, higher-upside quarterback.
Murray logged 73 first-team snaps on August 5, after McCarthy logged 38.
Vikings defenders Blake Cashman and Isaiah Rodgers stymied both quarterbacks on August 9 night practice, recording an interception and a fumble recovery.
If traded, McCarthy would join a Steelers roster with Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and Drew Allar, making him the higher-drafted, younger option.

History

Historical Context

When the NFL instituted its first salary cap in 1993, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue forced teams to rely on short-term contracts and franchise tags. The 1993 cap was set at $34.6 million, prompting the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals to restructure quarterback deals, including veteran signings. Today, the Vikings’ one-year, $1.3 million contract with Kyler Murray mirrors those 1993 strategies, limiting franchise-tag options and creating free-agency uncertainty. This pattern suggests teams will continue leveraging brief deals to manage cap space, while quarterbacks like Murray and J.J. McCarthy face annual market tests.

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Murray Becomes Starter

The Minnesota Vikings named Kyler Murray their starting quarterback for 2026.
Murray signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal after the Arizona Cardinals released him, which left the Cardinals still owing him $35.5 million for 2026.
Murray completed 110 of 161 passes for 962 yards and three interceptions before a Week 5 sprain.
J.J. McCarthy, the No. 10 2024 draft pick, started ten games in 2025 and will serve as Murray’s backup.

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