There’s Growing Buzz Around the Vikings’ Decision
This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings had just one major task: Upgrade the quarterback position one way or another. Many names swirled around in the Twin Cities, but the Vikings landed on released Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray and finalized the deal a few days into free agency.
The passer arrives in Minnesota with two Pro Bowls and solid numbers throughout his career. He provides the club with a baseline of quarterback play they didn’t reach last season and that’s why the move has mostly been applauded around the league.
ESPN released an article in which its experts weighed in on several offseason questions. When asked about the best offseason move in the NFL, three of them pointed to Minnesota’s Murray sweepstakes.
Aaron Schatz noted, “Quarterback Kyler Murray signing with the Vikings. Only two years ago, Murray played a full season with a 63.4 QBR, ninth in the NFL. But more importantly, the language in Murray’s contract with Arizona means that the Vikings signed Murray for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million. That’s a ridiculous bargain for a struggling starting quarterback, let alone a QB who could be above average.”
The cheap salary is a huge selling point. Murray, on his previous deal that paid him handsomely, might be a problem, but Murray on the veteran minimum of $1.3 million is undoubtedly a bargain.
Coming off a season with only five games, Murray’s stock has never been lower. He missed time with a foot injury and was then benched for Jacoby Brissett by a team that didn’t play for anything down the stretch.
In 2024, Murray’s last 17-game season, he was responsible for 26 touchdowns and still looked like a solid quarterback. Unless he has forgotten how to play the game, he will be an upgrade over what the Vikings had last year.
ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum commented, “Murray to the Vikings. Minnesota won nine games last season despite poor QB play from J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer. If Murray is good — or at least better than those players — the Vikings have a real chance to win the loaded NFC North.”
Despite bottom-five quarterback play for the season, the Vikings finished with a 9-8 record by riding a strong defense. Defensive play is pretty unstable from season to season, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores is still around and so are most players. Better quarterback play could put the Vikings right in the mix for the division. Chicago was two games better than the Vikings and Green Bay went 9-7-1. A single Vikings kickoff coverage versus Chicago could’ve changed the outcome.
But so could have different quarterback play. The Vikings ranked 28th in EPA/dropback and passing DVOA.
Lindsey Thiry added, “Murray to the Vikings. Coach Kevin O’Connell has a noteworthy track record of developing and improving the play of his quarterbacks. In Minnesota, Murray has the chance to challenge McCarthy for the starting role. Murray gets a much-needed fresh start after stagnating in Arizona. Second chances for quarterbacks don’t come around often, but this appears to be a legitimate opportunity for Murray to revive his career.”
O’Connell has been outstanding with veteran quarterbacks. Murray could be his next Sam Darnold and it’s worth noting that Murray’s track record can run circles around Darnold’s pre-Vikings resume.
The talented 28-year-old will also have the benefit of throwing the ball to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Hiring Murray for the 2026 season could give the Vikings a significant boost entering the season. That doesn’t guarantee success, of course. Murray was available for a reason and the Vikings have some questions to answer outside of the quarterback position.
Yet, it’s easy to feel better about the team with Murray than without him.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.