QB Posts 1-Word Message After Signing

Kyler Murray wasted little time acknowledging his new team. After the Minnesota Vikings officially announced the veteran quarterback’s signing on Thursday, Murray posted a one-word message on X: “Skol.” The post came the same day Minnesota confirmed the move, ending brief suspense around one of the more intriguing quarterback decisions of the early free-agency window.

The timing matters because the Vikings did not add Murray as a late-offseason flier. They signed him during the opening wave of roster-building after Arizona released him, giving Minnesota a proven veteran in a quarterback room that also includes 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. ESPN reported Murray’s Vikings deal is for one year, with Minnesota paying roughly $1.3 million while the Cardinals remain responsible for the bulk of the $36.8 million already guaranteed to him.

Key Points

• Kyler Murray signed a one-year deal with the Vikings on Thursday.

• Murray then posted “Skol.” on X, signaling his arrival in Minnesota.

• Arizona released Murray after seven seasons, but still owes him guaranteed money for 2026.

• The move creates one of the NFL’s most notable quarterback competitions with J.J. McCarthy.

Kyler Murray News: Veteran QB Signs with Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings made Murray’s addition official Thursday, with the team calling him a veteran quarterback who has started all 87 NFL games he has played. Minnesota’s official announcement also noted that Murray appeared in only five games in 2025, when he completed 110 of 161 passes for 962 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions, while adding 173 rushing yards through the first five weeks.

Minnesota is not just adding a recognizable name; it is bringing in a former No. 1 overall pick and two-time Pro Bowler with real starting experience. ESPN reported the Vikings had identified Murray as a high-priority option as they looked to add competition for McCarthy, whose development now becomes one of the biggest storylines of the spring and summer.

Kyler Murray Stats

Murray’s full NFL resume is stronger than his injury-shortened 2025 line. According to NFL stats, he has played 87 career games and completed 1,974 of 2,941 passes for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns and 60 interceptions, while adding 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing scores. He also carries a career passer rating of 92.2.

Those numbers explain why Minnesota saw upside in a low-cost deal. Murray is no longer arriving with the pressure of being a franchise savior attached to a massive new contract. Instead, he is joining a roster that can offer support around him, and his dual-threat history gives the Vikings a different element at the position if he is healthy.

Because Murray signed this early in the offseason, he gets the full install window rather than trying to learn the offense late in camp. That gives Minnesota time to evaluate whether he is simply insurance for McCarthy or a legitimate Week 1 starter candidate.

Kyler Murray Contract

The contract mechanics are a major reason this move became possible. NFL Network previously reported Murray was due $36.8 million in guarantees for 2026, which made him an unusual free agent: whichever team signed him could likely do so at a bargain because Arizona remained on the hook for the guaranteed money after his release.

That is exactly how it played out. ESPN reported Murray’s Vikings contract is a one-year pact for roughly the veteran minimum, with Minnesota paying only about $1.3 million. Arizona’s release also helped the Cardinals avoid another $19.5 million in 2027 guarantees that would have kicked in had Murray remain.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Murray’s contract also contains a no-tag clause. 

Erik Anderson is an award-winning sports journalist covering the NBA, MLB and NFL for Heavy.com. He also focuses on the trading card market. His work has appeared in nationally-recognized outlets including The New York Times, Associated Press , USA Today, and ESPN. More about Erik Anderson