Moves around the NFL have started picking up, as teams part ways with players before free agency starts next week. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are facing a new crises brought on by the retirement of standout center Drew Dalman.
However, a big domino has dropped in the QB market that also concerns Chicago. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Arizona Cardinals are releasing quarterback Kyler Murray. He's guaranteed $36.8 million for the 2026 season, which means he'll sign with someone for the veteran minimum -- and it looks like the Vikings have quickly emerged as the favorite to land the former No. 1 overall pick.
Adding more fuel to the fire, ESPN's Kevin Seifert reported, "Kyler Murray is at or near the top of the Vikings' QB wish list this offseason." While nothing is locked in yet, it appears to be trending towards a Murray-Vikings partnership in 2026.
Kyler Murray Could Sign with Vikings and Join Bears’ Division
In addition, ESPN's Josh Weinfuss revealed that Murray wanted to get released and has "two preferred destinations." Even though Minnesota wasn't named, there's reason to believe they are high on his list.
And that isn't ideal for a Bears team looking to repeat as NFC North champions. Last season, the Bears and Vikings split the season series 1-1, but it was clear that J.J. McCarthy had his fair share of problems.
In two games against Chicago, McCarthy was 29-of-52 (55.7%) for 293 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and two interceptions. He failed to eclipse 150 passing yards in either game, and his struggles were a major talking point.
The Vikings don't have faith in his ability to be a franchise quarterback, which is why they have reportedly sniffed around the QB market in an attempt to move on from McCarthy. While Murray has his own problems, he's clearly an upgrade over McCarthy and raises the floor at the QB spot for the Vikings.
That makes this far from an ideal scenario for the Bears. They're looking at the worst team in the division suddenly taking a step forward at QB possibly overnight, meanwhile every other NFC North contender is loading up to knock Chicago off from the top, making a repeat even more difficult.
What matters even more frustrating is that the Vikings don't have much cap space. According to Spotrac, Minnesota sits at -44 million in cap space. Murray is someone who can bail them out, and based on his other options in free agency (Jets, Dolphins, Falcons, Browns), Minnesota gives him the best chance to succeed, just as Sam Darnold did.
There will be plenty of movement from now until the start of the season, but fans in the Windy City should expect the Vikings to add a new quarterback, and it looks like Murray will square off against the Bears twice in 2026.