NFL QB Carousel Spinning
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly considering a move for Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, while the Cardinals themselves may draft a new quarterback or sign veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. These moves could trigger a domino effect across the league as teams jockey to secure elite signal-callers ahead of free agency and the draft.
The Arizona Cardinals have officially informed quarterback Kyler Murray of his pending release, which can be finalized on March 11, the start of the new league year. This move comes despite the team owing him $36.8 million in guaranteed money for the 2026 season. Murray, the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, signed a five-year, $230.5 million extension in 2022. However, his recent seasons have been marred by a torn ACL in 2022 and a foot injury in 2025 that limited him to just five games and 962 passing yards. The Vikings' interest in a veteran like Murray stems from the inconsistent play and injury struggles of their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy. The team's leadership has publicly stated they need a higher baseline of quarterback play and are exploring all avenues for competition. With Murray's departure, the Cardinals hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While they could select a new quarterback, many draft analysts project them to target a top offensive tackle like Francis Mauigoa or an edge rusher like David Bailey to address other significant roster needs. Instead of the draft, Arizona may look to veteran free agent Jimmy Garoppolo to bridge the gap. Cardinals' General Manager Monti Ossenfort was part of the Patriots' front office that drafted Garoppolo in 2014, and new coach Mike LaFleur has also worked with him. Garoppolo, a two-time Super Bowl champion as a backup, most recently re-signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams in March 2025 to back up Matthew Stafford.
