This past season saw a reversal of fortunes for the Minnesota Vikings, who were once among the NFC’s playoff contenders. Much of that was due to their veteran quarterback, Sam Darnold, who departed for the Seattle Seahawks and helped bring them another Lombardi Trophy. Minnesota's quarterback situation saw them continue to commit to young star JJ McCarthy, but that ship has seemingly sailed after failing to get into the playoffs.
They were still 9-8, so it wasn’t necessarily the worst season, but they realized it could be better, and because of that, rumors have quickly arisen about them acquiring Kyler Murray. The Arizona Cardinals quarterback’s release officially occurs on Wednesday, once free agency officially opens.
If the Vikings add him to their roster, it would bring an experienced quarterback in Murray, who threw for 20,460 yards and 121 touchdowns with 60 interceptions. The 5-foot-10 star is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and achieved a record of 38-48-1 during his time with the Cardinals.
Of course, the biggest knock against Murray might be his inability to lead Arizona to the playoffs. Drafted in 2019 by the team, he had just one postseason appearance in 2021 over his seven years with Arizona. On ESPN’s “Get Up,” Dan Orlovsky and Domonique Foxworthy offered their predictions about how good the Vikings could be if they acquire Murray as their quarterback.
Orlovsky indicated that the move to bring Murray in as a quarterback option might send a clear message to McCarthy that he needs to get his act together on the field. Orlovsky also indicated that Minnesota could become a playoff team with Murray as QB1.
However, Foxworth took things a step further with an extremely surprising prognosis for what Murray could bring to the Vikings. He suggested that Murray might not need to change how he plays to fit in with Minnesota, but instead, head coach Kevin O’Connell needs to change how he coaches.
“I would be a little more hyperbolic than you when it comes to what I think him going to the Vikings means. When Kyler is playing well, he’s as good as just about anybody in football,” Foxworth said, adding, “If they can find a way to sustain that success that he’s had- he’s had MVP runs for over six, seven, eight games. So, in my mind, if you can create that, we’re looking at the best team right up there with the Rams in the NFC.”
The ESPN personality’s prediction shocked Orlovsky, who reacted by interrupting him before seeming to roll his eyes to the side about the remarks. However, Foxworth doubled down, saying that if Murray is playing at an elite level like he’s capable of with Minnesota, they “are as good as the Rams.”
The Vikings currently have one of the best receivers in the game, Justin Jefferson, who didn’t have the best of seasons with McCarthy as quarterback. Bringing in Murray could instantly change that situation for him in Minnesota.
Of course, time would tell whether Murray joins the Vikings in free agency and whether Minnesota can get O’Connell to adapt his coaching style to a new quarterback. However, it could be premature to dub them as good as the Rams, who nearly reached the Super Bowl this past postseason behind MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford and his talented roster.
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