Murray

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray on Thursday, after focusing their latest search on the first overall pick from the 2019 NFL draft who was just released by the Arizona Cardinals.

Murray visited Vikings headquarters before agreeing to join them, one day after he was cut by the Cardinals despite them owing him $36.8 million in guaranteed salary for this season.

The Vikings didn’t have many other options this year for challenging — or replacing — J.J. McCarthy, their 2024 first-round draft pick out ofMichigan, whose injuries and inconsistency have raised the question of how long they can afford to wait for him to develop.

Murray, despite being sidetracked by recent injuries and dogged by questions about his work ethic, has two Pro Bowl selections, a 67% career completion percentage — and a bonus of 3,193 rushing yards with 32 touchdowns.

After winning the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma, Murray was voted the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Atlanta Falcons

WNBA player Rickea Jackson filed a petition for protection against ex-boyfriend James Pearce of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons saying she is afraid for her life.

Jackson in the petition says her fear comes from what she described as Pearce’s obsessive, insecure, violent and aggressive behavior. Pearce faces five felony charges stemming from an incident with Jackson in South Florida on Feb. 7.

Jackson said Pearce threatened to kill and harm her prior to that dispute.

Tampa Bay Bucs

TAMPA, Fla. — Edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad and two-time Pro Bowl special teams ace Miles Killebrew have signed contracts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Muhammad had 11 sacks last season with Detroit. The 31-year-old has 26 career sacks in 110 games over eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and Lions. He’s getting a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.

Killebrew has appeared in 151 games over 10 seasons with the Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers, playing primarily on special teams.

He has 91 total special teams tackles, the second-most in the NFL over that span. Killebrew also leads active players in career blocked punts with four.

San Francisco 49ers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back linebacker Dre Greenlaw for a second stint, agreeing to a one-year contract with their former star after he was released by Denver.

The NFL Network first reported the deal, saying it was worth $7.5 million.

The 49ers also lost a defender on Thursday with 27-year-old defensive end Bryce Huff announcing his retirement after six seasons in the league.