Andrew Buller-Russ
It’s the third day of NFL free agency. Later today at 4 p.m. ET, players will officially be able to sign a new contract. Meanwhile, players set to be released can finally be finalized too, which could have a heavy impact on teams like the Minnesota Vikings, who are hunting for a new quarterback.
Yet, the Vikings will be prepared for the official start of free agency, having closely evaluated all the QB options available this offseason. They’re reportedly done “background work” on retired QB Derek Carr. But his contract rights are still held by the Saints; even if he did unretire, the Vikings would have to part with trade capital to land the four-time Pro Bowler.
However, now, according to ESPN’s Cardinals insider Josh Weinfuss, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has done “extensive research” on Kyler Murray. As has Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, but Atlanta just signed Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year contract, seemingly taking them out of the Murray sweepstakes.
The Vikings have yet to address their QB situation this offseason, so they’re presumably still alive in the race. That is, unless coach O’Connell saw something he didn’t like, of course.
For now, the Vikings are the heavy favorite to sign the two-time Pro Bowler, and they’ll get him at a fraction of the typical cost for a starting QB. Since Murray is still owed $36.8 million from the Cardinals, the Vikings will be able to sign him for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million for 2026. With a strong season, he’ll be able to get 40-60 times that amount next year.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency: Ranking 10 Best QBs Available
