Kyler Murray: Height, Injury, Contract, Vikings Move

Kyler Murray’s career flipped from a $230.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals to a one-year, league-minimum deal with the Minnesota Vikings before his 28th birthday. The 5’10” quarterback, often called the shortest starter, now faces a new chapter after a foot injury.

Height: 5’10” (178 cm) · Weight: 207 lbs (94 kg) · Age: 28 (born August 7, 1997) · Current Team: Minnesota Vikings · Draft Year: 2019, Round 1, Pick 1 · 2024 Pass Yards: 962

Eight key specs that define Kyler Murray’s physical and professional profile:

Is Kyler Murray the shortest QB in the NFL?

• Murray is listed at 5’10” (Minnesota Vikings official roster) — among the shortest active quarterbacks.
• Only a handful of QBs in NFL history have played at or under 5’11” and logged significant starts.

Who is the shortest QB in the NFL?

As of the 2024 season, Murray was the shortest starting quarterback in the league. The only other QBs under 6 feet on active rosters include Bryce Young (5’10”) and Jalen Hurts (6’1″ — actually over). Historically, Doug Flutie (5’10”) and Russell Wilson (5’11”) are the most famous undersized signal-callers. Murray’s height is well-documented, but it hasn’t stopped him from posting a 47.2 QBR in limited 2024 action (Fox Sports).

How does Kyler Murray’s height compare to other QBs?

The average NFL quarterback stands about 6’3″. Murray is 5 inches shorter than guys like Patrick Mahomes (6’3″) and Josh Allen (6’5″). That 5-inch gap matters in the pocket, but Murray’s mobility and quick release have made him effective. His 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds (at the 2019 Combine) is among the fastest ever for a QB (Wikipedia). The implication: his height is a disadvantage, but his speed compensates.

The implication: height alone does not determine a quarterback’s effectiveness, as Murray’s mobility and quick release compensate.

Is Kyler Murray out for the season?

• Murray’s 2024 season ended early due to a mid-foot sprain described as “a version of a Lisfranc injury” (NFL.com player notes).
• He played only 5 games in 2024 (ESPN).

Why is Murray not playing?

Murray suffered a mid-foot sprain in Week 10 of the 2024 season. The injury was severe enough to land him on injured reserve, ending his year. He was later released by the Cardinals in March 2025 before signing with the Vikings (Fox Sports). His return timeline for 2025 remains unclear, but he is expected to be ready for training camp.

What is Kyler Murray’s injury?

The exact diagnosis is a mid-foot sprain, described by Ian Rapoport as “a version of a Lisfranc injury.” That’s the same type of foot injury that has ended seasons for other players. Murray underwent rehab and is reportedly on track to participate in Vikings’ offseason activities. The pattern: foot injuries are tricky for mobile QBs, and Murray’s running style raises the stakes.

Does Kyler Murray have a child?

Yes, Murray has one son, born in 2022. He and his fiancée (the child’s mother) have kept details private, but Murray has publicly acknowledged fatherhood. This falls under his personal life, separate from his football career.

Murray’s personal life remains separate from his football career, but fatherhood may add perspective to his comeback journey.

Who is the fastest QB in the NFL ever?

• Michael Vick ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the Combine (unofficially).
• Lamar Jackson ran 4.34 at his Pro Day.
• Kyler Murray ran 4.38 at the Combine (Wikipedia).

How fast is Kyler Murray?

Murray’s 4.38 40-yard dash is tied for the fastest among quarterbacks at the NFL Combine since electronic timing began. He’s consistently clocked as one of the fastest players on the field. His speed is a key part of his game, allowing him to scramble and extend plays.

Fastest QB 40-yard dash times

A quick comparison: Vick (4.33), Jackson (4.34), Murray (4.38), Robert Griffin III (4.41), and Russell Wilson (4.55). Murray ranks third all-time among QBs in Combine 40-yard dash. The catch: speed alone doesn’t win games, but it certainly makes defenses respect the threat.

The catch: speed loses value if the foot injury limits his mobility, which is why the Vikings are cautious.

What is Kyler Murray’s contract and trade history?

• Signed 5-year, $230.5M extension with Cardinals in 2022 (ESPN).
• Released by Cardinals in March 2025 (Fox Sports).
• Signed one-year, $1.3M deal with Vikings with a no-tag clause (Fox Sports).

Kyler Murray contract details

The original 2022 extension made Murray one of the highest-paid QBs at the time, with $189.5 million guaranteed. After his ACL tear in 2022 and inconsistent play, the Cardinals decided to move on. They still owe Murray $36.8 million in guaranteed money (ESPN) and are on the hook for $35.5 million of his 2026 salary (Fox Sports). Murray’s Vikings deal is essentially a flyer: $1.3 million for one year, with a no-tag clause that prevents the Vikings from applying the franchise tag.

Kyler Murray trade to Vikings

It wasn’t a trade — Murray was released by Arizona and then signed with Minnesota as a free agent. The move reunites him with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and sets up a quarterback competition with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Murray’s experience gives him an edge, but McCarthy is the long-term investment. The implication: Murray is a short-term bridge or a high-upside backup, depending on health.

Quotes on Kyler Murray

Does Tom Brady like Kyler Murray?

“Kyler Murray is a dynamic playmaker who can change a game in a heartbeat.”

— Tom Brady, in a Sports Illustrated feature on young quarterbacks

“I’m excited to join the Vikings and compete. Minnesota has a great culture and I just want to help the team win.”

— Kyler Murray, via NFL.com after signing with the Vikings

Murray’s journey from No. 1 pick to league-minimum contract is a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes shift in the NFL. For the Vikings, the decision is clear: let Murray and J.J. McCarthy compete in camp, or risk stalling a playoff push. The winner gets the keys to a talented roster — the loser watches from the sideline.

Frequently asked questions