Inside The Vikings

Minnesota Vikings 2026 Free Agency Tracker: Day 4 News and Rumors

Kyler Murray is reportedly visiting the Vikings on Thursday. Will he sign by the end of the day?
Dec 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
Dec 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

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On the fourth day of free agency the NFL gave to the Vikings, a quarterback named Kyler Murray.

You're supposed to read that to the tune of the "12 Days of Christmas" because Murray would be a gift from the football gods at a mere $1.3 million. Plus, the actual song delivers "four calling birds," which were originally "colly birds," aka blackbirds. In this case, Football Santa would be giving the Vikings a guy who was just cut by a team with a red bird mascot.

Anyway, you get the point. It could be a big day for the Vikings. We're tracking the latest news and rumors, so check back often for the latest.

Top headlines so far:

— Why Some Patience is Required in Vikings' Pursuit of Kyler Murray
— They Lost Their Punter, But Vikings Are Keeping All-Pro Long Snapper
— Jalen Nailor Leaves Vikings, Lands Three-Year Deal With Raiders
— Ryan Wright Signs With Saints, Leaving Vikings in Need of a Punter
— Vikings Signing Veteran Cornerback James Pierre
— Vikings Free Agency Big Board: Top 5 Remaining Targets at Positions of Need
— All Eyes Turn Towards Jonathan Greenard, With NFC Contender Lurking
— No Cap Casualty: Aaron Jones Takes Pay Cut to Remain With Vikings
— All Signs Point to Vikings as Arizona Officially Releases Kyler Murray

8:22 a.m. — Schefter thinks Murray signs with Vikings today

Adam Schefter indicated today that Murray will likely sign with the Vikings later today.

8:15 a.m. — 'Good chance' Murray signs with Vikings 'quickly'

"He spent the last 12 hours or so talking to different teams, talking to different decision-makers, getting ahead of the 2027 free agency process. He's never been a free agent before. It seemed like he wanted to talk to teams and kind of begin all that," Ian Rapoport said Thursday morning.

"He's going to be in the building for the Minnesota Vikings today. There's a chance, a good chance, that a deal comes together very quickly, and we may see Kyler Murray be the next quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings. Add to that quarterback room to compete with J.J. McCarthy."

7:05 a.m. — Is there a chance Murray signs elsewhere?

The Vikings appear to be the heavy favorite, but Arizona-based radio host John Gambadora says Murray isn't opposed to being a backup somewhere in 2026 if it opens the door for a starting job in the future.

"Kyler Murray will meet with the Minnesota Vikings [Thursday]. They offer an opportunity to be a starting quarterback. That matters. But they (Murray’s camp) are going to use the next 24 hours to look at other options that could be better for him in 2027. That would mean, what teams may need a quarterback in 2027? Could it be the Rams, the Texans, Atlanta, could it be the Jets? This is just a feeling-out process," Gambadoro said.

"The only visit scheduled is Minnesota. But they will take these next 24 hours to look and discuss other options for teams that might need a quarterback in 2027. They’re not opposed to being a backup for one year. The priority would be, can I get a starting job somewhere where they want me, so I do think Minnesota is the frontrunner for Kyler Murray. But I do think they will try to get to know some teams; some of these teams haven’t talked to Kyler since he was a 21-year-old kid."

What happens if Murray leaves Minnesota without a contract? The quarterbacks left on the market include Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, and Joe Flacco.

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Joe Nelson
JOE NELSON

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

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