On Wednesday, coinciding with the start of the new league year, the Cardinals finalized the departure of Kyler Murray. However, the situation isn’t entirely bleak for the quarterback, as he is already being linked to a potential contender within the conference.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Minnesota Vikings are set to make a strong push for Murray now that he is a free agent. Fortunately for the NFC North club, the financial cost of adding a two-time Pro Bowler to their roster would be remarkably low.

Vikings could give Kyler Murray minimum deal after Cardinals’ release

Pelissero revealed that the Cardinals still owe Kyler Murray $36.8 million in fully guaranteed money for this season. Because of this remaining obligation from Arizona, it would be easy for Minnesota to sign him to a one-year, veteran-minimum deal worth approximately $1.3 million.

The Vikings are reportedly not fully committed to J.J. McCarthy, whose recurring injuries have sparked internal concerns. Murray’s arrival in Minnesota would create a high-stakes competition between the two former first-round picks for the starting job under Kevin O’Connell.

According to latest reports, Kyler Murray intends to take some time to weigh his options before making a final decision. While the Vikings currently appear to be the front-runners in the sweepstakes, Murray now officially has his fate in his own hands for the first time in his career.

According to Adam Schefter, Minshew reached an agreement today on a one-year, $8 million deal with the Cardinals, confirming his departure from the Chiefs after spending last season as the backup to Patrick Mahomes. The agreement marks the end of his short stint in Kansas City’s quarterback room.

The Chiefs are now left with the following quarterbacks on the depth chart: Patrick Mahomes (injured), Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener. That situation could move Oladokun into the primary backup role or even the starting spot while Mahomes remains sidelined, unless the Chiefs decide to bring in another quarterback.

The Kansas City Chiefs will continue making the necessary moves to position themselves as contenders while they still have key stars active on the roster. Players such as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce remain central pieces for the franchise, and there are already important developments surrounding them as the offseason progresses.

The numbers of Gardner Minshew

The numbers of Gardner Minshew show a quarterback who can provide experience, even if some statistics have worked against him. As for Minshew, he last saw significant action in 2024, when he completed 203 of 306 passes for 2,013 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. In 47 career starts, he holds a 17-30 record.

The latest moves by the Chiefs

The most recent news, which could generate excitement among Chiefs fans, involves Travis Kelce. According to Adam Schefter, the Chiefs are giving free agent tight end Travis Kelce a one-year, $12 million deal that has a max value of $15 million, meaning Kelce will play at least one more season with the Chiefs.

And it is not only the return of Kelce, which was one of the most anticipated developments. Insider Jordan Schultz, via his X account, shared more details about the deal between running back Kenneth Walker and the Chiefs. He will sign a three-year contract worth $43.05 million, with the potential to reach up to $45 million.

Additionally, the journalist noted that Kenneth Walker will have $28.7 million guaranteed. It represents a major addition for the Chiefs, and even Patrick Mahomes has already welcomed Walker. He started all 17 games, rushing for 1,027 yards on 221 carries, 4.6 yards per attempt, and scoring five rushing touchdowns, while adding 31 receptions for 282 yards in the NFL.

One of the most explosive running backs in the NFC has arrived in Arizona to become part of a group of runners aiming to take a step forward in quality next season.

Allgeier joins Michael Carter, Emari Demercado and Corey Kiner on the depth chart of the Cardinals. It is also worth noting the presence of James Conner, who recently agreed to a contract restructuring and will remain with the team.

According to information shared by insider Mike Garafolo through his X account, Allgeier has agreed to terms on a two-year, $12.25 million deal. It represents an important boost for this offense, which still doesn’t know who will be leading it.

Explosion in the backfield of the Cardinals

Tyler Allgeier concluded his four-year stint with the Falcons by recording 514 rushing yards and a career-high 8 touchdowns during the 2025 season. Despite a career-low in yardage while sharing the backfield with Bijan Robinson, he maintained his reputation as a premier goal-line specialist with zero fumbles in 67 career games.

Having recently signed the Cardinals, Allgeier is expected to bolster their offense by providing a powerful “thunder” element alongside James Conner, potentially taking over lead duties in short-yardage and red-zone situations to stabilize a rebuilding unit.

According to Connor Hughes of SNYtv, “The resounding belief from multiple sources, though, is that he [Murray] will sign with the Vikings.” Hence, Murray would remain in the NFC, and if it happens, Murray would instantly put himself into a great situation to succeed.

Not only would Murray avoid going to the AFC, where the quarterbacks are stacked. In the NFC, the quarterback landscape is way better. Also, the whole situation is just good on the Vikings, despite playing in the tough NFC North.

Minnesota is the best destination for any QB looking for a team

If you are a team trying to sign a quarterback, having arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL goes a long way. But it’s not only Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison is an elite WR2 on the roster as well. The QB immediately gets put in a great situation to thrive. Murray should look at that and think it’s a no-brainer to go there.

Also, being coached by an offensive mastermind and former Coach of the Year like Kevin O’Connell is very tempting. The fact is that the team also revived Sam Darnold’s career, so if Kyler Murray thinks he has to revamp his career, this is the place to go.

Murray could thrive with the Vikings

Now that we’ve explored the Vikings side of things, what about Murray? While undersized, Murray still has some upside to offer. While considered a talented yet volatile quarterback, if Murray is in good form, he can be a very good quarterback. Also, he is a speedy player and one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL.

Yet cap space rarely tells the full story in the NFL. Their books still carry several sizable contracts and roster decisions, meaning that the apparent flexibility could shift quickly depending on restructures, releases or strategic signings.

For a team navigating a transitional period, the numbers behind the cap may quietly shape the direction of the entire offseason. How that financial margin is used could reveal as much about their long-term vision as any move on the field.

How much is the Cardinals’ cap space in 2026?

The Arizona Cardinals are projected to have $30.7 million to $31.7 million in available cap space for the 2026 NFL season, according to Sports Illustrated. That figure places Arizona around ninth in the league in available cap room.

The number is calculated using the NFL’s Top-51 offseason rule, which counts only the 51 highest cap hits on a roster during the offseason. With the league’s salary cap projected to sit around $301.2 million, Arizona’s adjusted cap reaches about $313.3 million, leaving close to $40 million in space once current contracts and dead money are accounted for.

Several contracts dominate the their financial structure for 2026. Quarterback Kyler Murray carries the largest cap hit on the roster at over $52.6 million, representing nearly 17.5% of the team’s total cap allocation.

Behind him, safety Budda Baker and edge rusher Josh Sweat also account for significant cap charges, each exceeding $16 million for the season. Arizona’s books also include roughly $18.4 million in dead money, which limits some of the club’s spending flexibility but still leaves the front office with room to maneuver compared with more cap-constrained teams.

Another important factor is the upcoming rookie class. Based on projections for their draft picks, their 2026 draft pool could cost about $16.9 million in total cap commitments, though only a portion of that would count against the Top-51 rule during the offseason.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that the Cardinals will release Kyler Murray at the start of the league’s new year. He is expected to draw plenty of interest as a free agent, yet the proposal he has now received from Major League Baseball has surprised many.

Just two days after the news of his release, Kyler Murray received an open invitation to join the Oakland Athletics. General manager David Forst has let him know there would be a spot on their roster if he is willing to give baseball another try.

“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” GM David Forst told MLB.com. “That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes.”

Is it possible for Kyler Murray to leave the NFL and go to MLB?

Kyler Murray entered the NFL in 2019 as the first overall pick in the draft. He had an outstanding college season that led him to win the Heisman Trophy, which is why he was widely projected to become a top quarterback at the professional level.

However, one year earlier, he nearly chose baseball over football. In 2018, Murray was the ninth overall pick in the MLB Draft and signed a contract with the Athletics. He was originally set to pursue a baseball career, but he ultimately returned to football and made history by winning the Heisman Trophy.

Even though the Athletics would likely welcome him back, it is highly unlikely he would make that move. At 28 years old, Murray is still regarded as a solid quarterback and is expected to receive multiple offers from NFL teams. Switching sports at this stage of his career would be extremely challenging.

Murray has already been linked to the Minnesota Vikings, who reportedly want J.J. McCarthy to face strong competition for the starting quarterback job. However, if Murray fails to land a solid deal in the NFL, could a move to the Athletics become a realistic option?

Following Murray’s release — after he broke his silence on being cut — the Cardinals now have Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis under contract for the 2026 NFL season.

However, despite having two quarterbacks on the roster, Arizona is not expected to enter the season with Brissett as its unquestioned QB1. Reports indicate the Cardinals are exploring the veteran market, closely monitoring Aaron Rodgers’ situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers before making their next move.

Is Jacoby Brissett a serious contender for the Cardinals’ QB1 job?

In 2025, the Cardinals turned to Jacoby Brissett amid Kyler Murray’s ongoing health issues. Brissett signed a two-year deal that keeps him under contract through the 2026 season, but his grip on the QB1 role is far from secure.

Reports suggest Arizona is targeting a high-profile quarterback to usher in the post-Murray era. Aaron Rodgers is believed to be their top option, though other candidates could emerge as potential starters.

One intriguing possibility surfaced Tuesday, when the Colts applied the transition tag to Daniel Jones. That move gives Arizona a chance to present Jones with an offer sheet. If Indianapolis declines to match it, the Cardinals could land him without surrendering the two first-round picks required under a non-exclusive franchise tag.

What’s next for Kyler Murray?

Despite not reaching the level of success many expected with the Cardinals, Kyler Murray is set to be a highly sought-after free agent. However, his chances of immediately landing a guaranteed starting job may not be strong.

Murray is still viewed as a capable quarterback who could compete for a QB1 role, particularly with a team facing instability at the position. That said, he may not join a Super Bowl contender as a clear-cut starter. If he signs with a title-caliber team, it could be in a backup role, giving him a chance to rebuild his value and potentially earn another opportunity down the line.

It’s truly an end of an era in Glendale, Arizona. Obviously, Murray failed to deliver silverware to the Cardinals, but he provided some of the highest highs in a while for an NFL team that has never won a Super Bowl. As Murray addressed in his farewell post, the fact he couldn’t lift the curse still doesn’t sit right with him.

“To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you,” Murray wrote on his X account, @K1. “I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us.

“I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best. I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it.“

Kyler Murray is now a free agent in the NFL

After Kyler Murray was cut by the Arizona Cardinals, his future is now completely up in the air. Much talk had surrounded Murray during the offseason, with reports suggesting a quarterback swap between the Cardinals and Miami Dolphins involving Murray and Tua Tagovailoa. At the end of the day, that didn’t come to fruition.

Instead, Murray is now joining a long list of NFL free agent quarterbacks in 2026. Murray will turn 29 on August 7th, just ahead of the 2026 season. For many players, that age might signal the end of their physical prime. In the NFL, though, quarterbacks are in a category of their own.

The recent “resurrection” of Sam Darnold—who just led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl LX victory—serves as an inspiring precedent for Murray. Much like Darnold, Kyler has made it clear that despite the noise, his self-confidence isn’t wavering.

Murray’s final numbers with Arizona

As his tenure in The Grand Canyon State came to an end, on Bolavip we take a look at his stats during his seven-year stay in Glendale. According to Pro Football Reference, Murray appeared in 87 games, throwing for 1,974 completions (67.1% completion), 20,460 yards, and 121 touchdowns.

His rushing numbers can’t be forgotten, as “K1” made a living out of his second-to-none speed and elusiveness. Over his seven seasons in Arizona, Murray rushed for 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns on the ground. He leaves the Cardinals with an AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award (2019) and two Pro Bowl selections (2020 and 2021).

His most prolific season remains 2020, when he passed for 3,971 yards and 26 TDs, alongside 819 rushing yards and 11 scores—all of which were career-highs. That same year, he delivered his most iconic play: the “Hail Murray” touchdown pass to DeAndre Hopkins in a Week 10 thriller against the Buffalo Bills.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, free agent Jimmy Garoppolo is a strong option to join the Cardinals. New HC Mike LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, so he has a close connection with former Rams QB, Jimmy Garoppolo.

According to Fowler, LaFleur views Garoppolo as “his guy,“ so given that he is a free agent, the Cardinals could actually see Garoppolo as a reliable, cheap QB1 to transition to the post-Kyler Murray days.

Garoppolo is quite different than Murray

While many might say Murray is more talented and a better quarterback, the fact is Garoppolo has a way more successful career than Murray up to this point. Murray has a 38-48-1 career record and only one playoff appearance. As for Garoppolo he has a career 43-21 record, and with him as a starter, he went to a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers, as well as an NFC Championship Game.

Garoppolo is more of a pocket passer, quick processor, and steady quarterback. Murray is quite the opposite, he is a mobile, undersized, speedy quarterback with an educated arm. Still, both have practically a 2/1 TD-to-INT ratio. However, LaFleur might be eager to get Garoppolo because of their story and his style.

Garoppolo hasn’t played much in the last few years

The last couple of years, Garoppolo has been the backup of Matthew Stafford on the Los Angeles Rams. He has only started one game during that span, in a losing game where he threw for 334 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

Before that, he only played seven games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. He ended up losing the job to Aidan O’Connell. Hence, Garoppolo might need to revamp his reputation too.

Malik Willis is one of the most intriguing free agents on the market. The quarterback won’t return to the Green Bay Packers, as he is looking for a place where he can thrive as the starting quarterback.

With both the Cardinals and the Dolphins on the verge of a quarterback change, Willis finds himself trying to find the correct place and price. According to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, “the involvement, or not, of two potential franchises should say plenty about the broader market for Willis. Whether and to what extent the Dolphins and Cardinals pursue Willis will be a key litmus test as to his perceived potential as a full-time starter.“

Willis has a skill set that could seem similar for the Cardinals

Willis is a dual-threat quarterback, just like Kyler Murray. However, there is a key difference. Murray is 5’10” and 207 lbs, while Willis is 6’1″ and 225 lbs. While Willis might also seem a bit undersized, compared to Murray, he is way bigger and stronger. Therefore, the Cardinals wouldn’t have to change much in terms of approach if they land Willis.

The Cardinals have a new head coach in town with Mike LaFleur. So, a new quarterback might also be a good thing. LaFleur’s reputation is on the line, so he needs to nail the quarterback decision. Willis might not be the answer but at this point, Murray hasn’t proven to be a franchise quartertback.

Willis would be a change of pace from Tua Tagovailoa

Willis is not exactly bigger than Tua. In fact, they have the exact same build, at 6’1″ and 225 lbs. However, Willis is much more durable and doesn’t have the injury history that Tagovailoa has. The fact that they don’t have to worry about that with Willis might just be good enough for the Dolphins.

Having said so, new Dolphins HC Jeff Haffley was the Packers defensive coordinator. Hence, he knows Willis very well. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan also comes from the Packers. No other team in the NFL outside of Green Bay knows Willis’ skills better than the Dolphins right now.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Rams are promoting Nate Scheelhaase to become Sean McVay’s offensive coordinator. Scheelhaase was the pass-game coordinator, but now he will replace Mike LaFleur, who became the Cardinals head coach.

The Rams also promoted quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone by giving him a co-offensive coordinator title. Still, it’s worth noting it’s head coach Sean McVay the one who really runs the offense. However, Scheelhaase and Ragone will help game-planning with McVay.

Scheelhaase was a top-tier name during the coaching carousel this year

Scheelhaase was a pass-game coordinator, but he almost leapfrogged stages, as he had five different head coaching interviews this offseason. In the end, he will stay on the Rams, but he will get more looks in one year, most likely.

Scheelhaase is seen as an offensive genius, impressing with his mind and ability to direct an offense since his college career. He was a quarterback at Illinois, and he called plays at the line of scrimmage, a constant audible.

The Rams will stay as a powerhouse

By retaining defensive coordinator Chris Shula, the Rams defense will stay as an elite unit. By having McVay, with the returning Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as wideouts, and pretty much all the same roster, the Rams will be a Super Bowl contender.