Murray breaks his silence on his Cardinals exit, revealing heartfelt thanks and his vision for what's next, potentially including Minnesota.
It is now official: Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has been released by his old team.
While the news is a surprise to anyone who hasn't been following the Cardinals the last couple of days, it certainly one that Vikings fans have been monitoring closely. It now means Minnesota has an opportunity to add a former No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner, and one that has not been a bust in the league.
The former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback cleared the air and stated heartfelt sentiments to Cardinals fans following his departure. Murray wrote the following on social media.
"To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.
I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it.
Godspeed."
Murray is a polarizing player. Some take issue with his game, though those claims seem unfair. To this point in his career, Murray has solidified himself as a 3,700-yard or more passer in every season in which he has started at least 14 games. Clearly, in a 17-game season, the quarterback could easily clear 4,000 yards, though in at least three of his seven NFL seasons he has started 11 games or less.
What makes Murray polarizing is more so his straightforward nature. The quarterback is authentic and isn't afraid to speak candidly.
One way in which Murray has made his intentions clear is his willingness to identify the Minnesota Vikings as one of his top destinations per reporters. Time will tell whether or not those reports are true. But there could be mutual interest between Minnesota and Murray as both look for the right quarterback fit for themselves.
The former No. 1 overall draft choice still has all that potential, but with the production we have not seen from current Minnesota Vikings starter J.J. McCarthy. Routinely, McCarthy is falling below 200 passing yards in individual games. That's not an issue for Murray.
We'll see what comes of the news, but one this is sure: There is less preventing the Vikings from signing Murray than there was in February. Minnesota will decide if Murray or another quarterback is the best choice for the team.