Looks Like Kyler Murray’s Supporting Cast Is Mid
With the start of the OTAs, the quarterback competition will be underway, though head coach Kevin O’Connell has always emphasized that the real race for jobs isn’t starting until training camp.
For the Vikings, Kyler Murray is the clear favorite to land the QB1 honors. He’s experienced in the NFL and has performed at a much higher level than J.J. McCarthy in his limited time in the league.
The opinion that Murray is in line for a bounce-back season isn’t rare nowadays, especially since he is surrounded by a talented bunch in the Twin Cities. According to Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano, however, that supporting cast isn’t special whatsoever.
He ranked the supporting cast for each of the 32 quarterback rooms, and the Vikings clocked in 22nd.
The analyst explained, “They certainly have given whomever is their quarterback some good receivers to work with. Justin Jefferson is as good as any in football when everything is working right with the offense, and Jordan Addison is a strong No. 2. The Vikings also went out and added the underrated Jauan Jennings to give the QB another option. And TE T.J. Hockenson is a big weapon in the passing game, too — at least when he’s healthy.”
The trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings might be the best in football. Even the pedestrian quarterback play in 2025 couldn’t prevent Jefferson from stacking 1,000 yards throughout his sixth NFL campaign. Addison’s concerns are mostly off the field. When he’s not in the news for all the wrong reasons, he’s making plays. Jennings is a premier blocking receiver who emerged in 2024 and 2025 as a solid supporting piece in the passing game.
Hockenson is a fascinating case. Before his 2023 ACL tear, he was among the most productive tight ends in the NFL, but the injury cost him the last two contests that season and half of 2024. He has not bounced back and seems to have lost a step, but his job description has also changed, further diminishing his fantasy stats and, therefore, his perceived level of play.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has more frequently used him in blocking since the injury, which has prevented him from getting downfield more often. A healthier offensive line could open up more opportunities for him in his contract year.
Speaking of the blocking, Vacchiano wrote, “Beyond that, though, they really have to lean into the mind of head coach Kevin O’Connell because there are some issues. The offensive line was not good nor healthy last season. And they lean way too much on 32-year-old, oft-injured RB Aaron Jones. That lack of a dependable running game is big. It’s why defenses could tee off on Vikings QBs, who were sacked 60 times last season — tied for second-most in the league.”
Minnesota’s line fell apart last season, not because of performance, but due to injury.
Though the guards Will Fries and Donovan Jackson were mostly available, the other three starters missed too much time. Ryan Kelly’s trio of concussions ultimately cost him his career. Backup Michael Jurgens had barely played in the NFL, while Blake Brandel had never competed at center.
Tackle Christian Darrisaw was bothered by his knee all year and missed several games. The hope is that a full offseason can help him regain his power and reach previous heights. Counterpart Brian O’Neill also struggled to stay on the field. Those two have a major impact on everything the Vikings do on offense and despite investing this offseason to bolster the backup situation, the squad needs them to stay healthy.
Running back Aaron Jones might still be Minnesota’s RB1 in his third season with the franchise, but Jordan Mason should be expected to eat into his workload. It should be noted that his body hasn’t always cooperated, but when healthy, Jones was good in each of the last two seasons.
Sure, there are issues on the offense, but ranking Minnesota’s offensive ecosystem 22nd in the NFL might already take the cake for the worst offseason ranking of 2026.
Teams ahead of the Vikings include the New England Patriots, who might not employ a receiver that would crack Minnesota’s top three. The Buffalo Bills have at least James Cook, but the receiving group has been a disaster for years. The New York Giants, who have Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, both coming off significant injuries.
Minnesota will be working through OTAs this week.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.