Kyler Murray Signing Still Getting Glowing Reviews
Here’s something I’ve said about thirty times since the NFL news mill got super slow a couple weeks ago: the Minnesota Vikings signed QB Kyler Murray to a veteran minimum deal during the NFL Free Agency Frenzy in March.
And here’s the obligatory mention of the QB competition with J.J. McCarthy, and the fact that Murray is being widely-assumed to be named the starter at some point later this offseason. You know the spiel; Kyler Murray brings elite athleticism with the pedigree of a first-overall selection to the Vikings, and a bevy of talents that Kevin O’Connell will look to maximize.
On the flip side, we’re all still concerned about the development of J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings tried to hand him the keys uncontested in 2025, and that didn’t really go well. He couldn’t stay healthy, and when he was on the field, the play wasn’t necessarily inspiring.
Another review for the Vikings’ signing of Kyler Murray has attracted another positive review. Come to think of it, I’m not really sure why there would be any negative reviews of signing a QB like Murray virtually for free.
Kyler Murray Acquisition Draws Some More Positive Attention
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently provided a piece re-grading the biggest moves of the 2026 offseason across the NFL. For Kyler Murray, the Vikings got an “A” grade. If you forgot the letter grading system from the school years, that’s pretty good.
Moton provided some rationale:
“Murray doesn’t need a Sam Darnold rebirth-type season to lead Minnesota to the playoffs. If he stays healthy and gets the ball to wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings, the Vikings’ passing attack should be far better than last year’s 29th-ranked unit.”
Back in 2024 when the Vikings signed Sam Darnold, a “best case scenario” we were throwing around for him was a Mayfield-type career resurgence. Well, Darnold absolutely smashed that expectation, and actually had a top-two statistical season in Vikings history. He then, of course, left Minnesota after he wasn’t extended and went to win a Super Bowl with the Seahawks.
When you have a defense like the Vikings, you don’t need a QB to be pushing 40 passing touchdowns to have a winning season. You do, however, need your QB and team show up prepared for the two biggest games of the season, much like the Vikings didn’t in 2024 with Darnold.
Kyler Murray Could ‘Revitalize’ Career in Minnesota in 2026
Moton continued on about the signing, tying it to J.J. McCarthy’s uncertain future with the Minnesota Vikings.
“Furthermore, the Vikings’ low-risk, high-reward signing at quarterback gives them a chance to re-evaluate their plan for J.J. McCarthy after he struggled mightily last season, throwing for 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 57.6 percent completion rate. Keep in mind, they fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who drafted McCarthy, and hired Nolan Tinsley to replace him.
Murray could revitalize his career in a new chapter with the Vikings.”
It is very important to remember that Nolan Teasley has absolutely no “emotional” ties to J.J. McCarthy, but you could say that more the most of the rest of the roster. The other thing to remember is that Teasley is quite familiar with Kyler Murray, seeing as the Seahawks had to face off against the Cardinals twice a year.
