Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at State Farm Stadium on August 15 in Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings didn’t make any major moves in the first two days of legal tampering, ahead of NFL free agency.
That will all likely change around 3 p.m. CT Wednesday, when the league officially opens for business.
NFL Network: Vikings, Kyler Murray have ‘mutual interest’
The backstory:
The Arizona Cardinals officially released quarterback Kyler Murray Wednesday afternoon. Murray already said his goodbye to the team and community on social media in the offseason, and the Cardinals agreed to terms with Gardner Minshew on Tuesday. He's expected to be the back-up to Jacoby Brissett.
According to the NFL Network, the Vikings and Murray have "mutual interest." Murray is entering his eighth NFL season after being the No. 1 overall pick by Arizona in 2019. Murray made just five starts last season, dealing with a foot injury. He was eventually placed on injured reserve and replaced by Brissett.
Murray was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019 after throwing for 3,722 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’s a two-time Pro Bowl pick, and would give the Vikings a mobile quarterback to run their offense.
Murray is now a free agent, and the Vikings are considered the favorite to land him.
The next question becomes who will be the starting quarterback for the Vikings in 2026? J.J. McCarthy will be entering his third NFL season, but missed seven starts last year between an ankle sprain, concussion and a fracture to his throwing hand. McCarthy was the Vikings’ No. 10 overall pick two seasons ago, and hasn’t yet proven he can stay on the field and be a franchise quarterback.
Vikings, Aaron Jones agree to revised contract
What we know:
The Vikings on Wednesday were expected to release running back Aaron Jones, but according to Tom Pellissero with NFL Network, Jones has agreed to a revised contract that will keep him in Minnesota. He'll reportedly make about $5.5 million. Jones missed five games last season with a hamstring injury, rushing for 548 yards and two touchdowns.
Vikings release Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen
Why you should care:
The Vikings announced Wednesday afternoon they released defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen in a series of cost-cutting moves to clear salary for free agency. Hargave and Allen had their moments, but weren't consistent enough for what their salaries required. Allen had 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks, while Hargrave had 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Hargrave is due more than $21 million against the cap this season, while Allen is due more than $23 million.
Vikings release safety Harrison Smith
Dig deeper:
In what's been deemed a procedural move, the Vikings released veteran safety Harrison Smith on Wednesday with a post-June 1 designation. Reports indicate the Vikings and Smith are in an open dialogue about his future. Smith has spent all 14 of his NFL seasons with the Vikings, and got a sendoff in the regular season finale that would indicate he might retire.