Vikings’ Kyler Murray Deal Includes an Unusual Clause
On Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings made it official: Kyler Murray will wear the purple colors in the 2026 season. He put pen to paper, signing his one-year deal that will cost the franchise only $1.3 million, thanks to the Arizona Cardinals, who are still on the hook for $35.5 million in 2026.
In fact, Murray is cheaper than re-upped long snapper Andrew DePaola or safety Theo Jackson. Even J.J. McCarthy’s biggest supporters can’t be too upset about a steal like that, given the limited downside.
That contract brings one downside, however. Murray’s agent had the Vikings add one wrinkle: the organization cannot use the franchise tag next offseason. If he performs at a high level and the club wants to keep him for a second season, they won’t have that fallback plan. No, a real negotiation will be the only way for a second Murray campaign in the Twin Cities.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote, “The deal includes a no-tag clause. That’s a key term, one that guarantees Murray will become a free agent in 2027, with neither the franchise tag nor the transition tag restricting him.”
This is not the first no-tag clause in NFL history and it won’t be the last. A prominent recent example in Minnesota belonged to Danielle Hunter, who was entering his final season under contract with the Vikings in 2023. He wanted a raise for that one year and deservedly got one. In addition, he had the Vikings include a no-tag clause in the contract and ultimately left in free agency.
A franchise tag has only been used by the Vikings once this decade, when they ensured safety Anthony Harris would play next to Harrison Smith for another season.
This year, the Vikings didn’t have any high-profile in-house free agents, but things looked different a year ago. Sam Darnold was just coming off his career season and the franchise tag was a real option to keep him in the building for a second season. The Vikings declined and Darnold left to win the Super Bowl elsewhere. This year, the Colts also used the transition tag on Daniel Jones ahead of his free agency sweepstakes.
That option will not be available in 2027. The good news is that it would only be a consideration in case of a strong season from Murray and then the deal would have already been worth it. Minnesota, of course, could then negotiate a contract extension the old-fashioned way, though other QB-needy franchises would also enter the picture.
The advantage would be that Murray has then built familiarity with the organization, including Kevin O’Connell, Justin Jefferson and the entire surroundings, such as the city. If the marriage is working and the offer is competitive, Murray would be unlikely to leave for another situation with new unknowns.
For Murray, the goal is to establish himself once again as a franchise quarterback. The Cardinals were confident he was one when they handed him a massive contract extension in 2022. He has been to two Pro Bowls and was pretty good as recently as 2024, being responsible for 26 touchdowns.
Murray brings plenty of talent to the table; there’s a reason he went first overall in 2019, offering a rare combination of electric mobility and good arm talent.
It is noteworthy that Murray is not a classic rehabilitation project, as injuries have been more problematic than his on-field performance. He missed time late in 2022 and early 2023 with a torn ACL and a foot injury cost him all but five games last year. Murray started all 17 games in 2024 and was fairly durable before the ACL injury.
Given the early comments and the way Kevin O’Connell has operated, Murray will not be named QB1 for months. J.J. McCarthy could still make a leap entering his third season and defend his spot in the starting lineup, but Murray should be considered the favorite to take the first snap in Week 1.
The 28-year-old will play in Minnesota in 2026. Beyond that, the Vikings will have to give him a new contract as the franchise tag is off the table.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.