The NFL career saga of quarterback Kyler Murray, the former No.1 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, took another devastating twist and turn on Tuesday, Nov.10.
It happened when the Minnesota Vikings acquired a new quarterback before the league’s trading deadline expired when they reached a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders for veteran Kirk Cousins.
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The move would appear to signal the end of Murray’s brief time in Minnesota after he signed with the Vikings this past offseason for the veteran minimum salary of $1.3 million following his release from the Cardinals.
Murray started six games for the Vikings this season after winning the starting job over the recently traded J.J. McCarthy, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued him and coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense — despite Minnesota having one of the strongest defenses in the NFL.
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after converting a two-point conversion against the Detroit Lions during the final moments of the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Arizona. The Lions and Cardinals tied 27-27.
(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.
(Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) makes a throw against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium.
(Joe Camporeale/Imagn Images)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 15, 2020.
(Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during warm-up before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Dec. 19, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan.
(Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles with the football in the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 5, 2021.
(Quinn Harris/USA TODAY Sports)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks for a receiver against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Oct. 2, 2022.
(Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
Jan 17, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Ramsduring the first half of an NFC Wild Card playoff football game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Falcons Wire)
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Arizona Cardinals release Kyler Murray. See his time in the Valley
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
(USA Today Sportsbookwire)
Murray has been dealing with a strained hamstring and did not play during the Vikings’ 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, Nov. 9. Veteran Carson Wentz got the start and completed just 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and no touchdowns. He was intercepted twice and the Vikings knew they had to look elsewhere for help.
Murray’s future appears uncertain and although he is 5-1 as Minnesota’s starter, he had produced just five touchdown passes against three interceptions.
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This might have been his last chance to be a starter in the league.
Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with the Cardinals in 2023 , but led Arizona to only one winning season during his seven years with the club. He lost his starting job last season to Jacoby Brissett, who has since been traded to the Baltimore Ravens.
