Kyler Murray Reportedly Carrying Himself Like ‘The Guy’
In the upcoming season, there’s a good chance Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell will deploy quarterback number 9 of his tenure with the franchise. That man is Kyler Murray, as it would take a surprising jump from 2025 starter J.J. McCarthy to defend his starting gig over the two-time Pro Bowler.
Sure, crazier things have happened than a passer with only ten games under his belt improving at the age of 23. However, Murray reportedly believes it’s his job.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler appeared on Sunday’s edition of SportsCenter and reported, “He carries himself as an alpha; not in a cocky way, just he’s got the experience he believes he can win that job over J.J. McCarthy, be the guy. Also, offensive coaches have been thrilled with how he’s attacked things, how he’s been in meetings. So, they believe they’ve got a real steal here.”
Murray should be confident, given the play McCarthy displayed for the most part in his first season as a starter. He was wildly inconsistent throughout the campaign, struggling with his inaccuracy and decision-making. There’s also the fundamental problem that he doesn’t seem to have any other club in the bag than his laser throw. He needs to add a touch throw to his arsenal.
The first overall pick from the 2019 draft, meanwhile, is also coming off a lost season with only five appearances. A foot injury and the eventual benching in favor of Jacoby Brissett (and tanking) left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Yet, it’s important to note that Murray was solid in 2024, playing in all 17 games and registering 26 touchdowns while leading the Cardinals to an 8-9 record.
Like McCarthy, he’s an excellent athlete, likely even better than the 2024 draftee. He is, however, a much more natural thrower of the football and way more accomplished in his career, having 87 starts under his belt, with over 20,000 passing yards and 121 scores through the air, in addition to another 32 touchdowns on the ground.
There are some flaws in his game and he has never been the most consistent passer in his own right, but there’s a real track record of decent play at the NFL level. The Vikings lacked a player with that pedigree in 2025.
Murray is in a prime situation to return to his old heights in Minnesota. Fowler offered a comparison.
“There’s a blueprint for Kyler Murray, based on what Daniel Jones did a year ago, go play somewhere new, get a one-year deal, knock it out the park and get the big money as an established starter after that.”
Jones was fired from the New York Giants in 2024 and signed with the Vikings late in the season. In free agency, he joined the Colts to compete with third-year QB Anthony Richardson, a player with physical tools, injury problems, and struggles in the passing game.
All of that sounds familiar. Jones had interest from the Vikings, but thought he could beat Richardson in Indianapolis. That he did and he played himself into the MVP race until a ruptured Achilles tendon ended his revival season.
Murray will benefit from Kevin O’Connell’s system, which has shown a knack for elevating veteran signal-callers. Throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings can’t hurt either and Brian Flores’ defense will give the offense some margin for error.
The former Heisman Trophy winner is confident about the upcoming competition with McCarthy and he should be.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.