GLENDALE – After seven years in the desert, Kyler Murray’s next team will be a nice change of scenery and maybe even culture. The Arizona Cardinals informed the two-time Pro Bowler yesterday that the team intended to released him on March 11th for the new league year. Murray posted a goodbye message and experts posted think pieces of where the former first overall pick could go, including Pat McAfee.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During his Wednesday show, McAfee discussed the 28-year-old’s best options in free agency, highlighting the Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O’Connell. For the past four years, O’Connell has been one of the most well-respected coaches in the NFL and could offer Murray something McAfee believes he hasn’t had a lot of during his NFL career: leadership.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches his team from the sidelines as they play the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
McAfee on what Murray gains from joining Minnesota and O’Connell:
McAfee put the caveat that Murray would have to by into O’Connell’s system to succeed, which shouldn’t be a problem. During his seven-year career, Murray has rarely showed signs of being dissatisfied during his Cardinals career. He had his contract negotiations leaked, tore his ACL, went through two head coaches, endured constant media scrutiny and still remained diligent in his work.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
It is unclear if McAfee’s statement is even true regarding whether Murray has ever had a leader on the level of O’Connell. Kliff Kingsbury and Jonathan Gannon were both first-time head coaches and had to learn on the fly with Murray on how to win. O’Connell has two 13+ win seasons as a head coach under his belt with quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and head coach Jonathan Gannon during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 27, 2023. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
While Darnold is a Super Bowl champion, the former first overall pick is indisputably more athletically gifted than either player. O’Connell has never a quarterback with the natural talents of Murray, and it comes down to the technical concerns and being able to lead a winning team. Before the NFL, the 5’10 QB proved that by going undefeated in High School and dominating at Oklahoma in college.
Minnesota will be his first opportunity in the league to be part of a sound, well-ran franchise with some stability, which could be all the difference to revive Murray’s career.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
