Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings
Getty
Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans.
The Minnesota Vikings are embarking on a new chapter, with former first-overall pick Kyler Murray all but set for the starting job ahead of 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy.
The Vikings have not officially announced that Murray is QB1. However, recent comments from head coach Kevin O’Connell suggest that will be the case, at least to begin the process when the team reconvenes.
Murray is locked in and ready for his fresh start.
Kyler Murray Sends Message on ‘New’ Chapter With Vikings
Kyler Murray draft
GettyKyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Murray was the No. 1 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 draft. The Vikings signed Murray in free agency this offseason after the Cardinals released him. That already seemed to shift the team’s plans away from McCarthy, at least in the interim.
O’Connell said that he told McCarthy directly that they were bringing in Murray to elevate the room and uphold the standard they expect, sparking speculation about the order.
Murray is embracing it all, posting “New Home” with a picture in front of his locker on TikTok.
VikingzFanPage
#Vikings QB Kyler Murray on TikTok:
“New Home.”
Murray, who turns 29 in August, is a two-time Pro Bowler. He completed 68.3% of his passes for 962 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in five games for Arizona during the 2025 regular season. He has a 20,460-121-60 career line on 67.1% completion.
Vikings QBs–which included 2017 No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz and 2025 undrafted free agent Max Brosmer–completed 61.6% of their passes for 2,834 yards, 18 TDs, and 21 INTs.
The Vikings need Murray to return to his Pro Bowl form and help maximize a talented roster.
Kyler Murray Lands on ‘Next Sam Darnold’ Watchlist
Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks.
GettySam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Murray was 38-48-1 as the Cardinals’ starter, but the Vikings are one year removed from a 14-win campaign. NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha listed Murray on his list of QBs who could be the “next Sam Darnold.” Darnold led Minnesota to that 14-win season.
They let him leave in free agency and also passed on other options. Darnold won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks, with whom he signed in free agency in 2025, this past season.
“He’ll have the chance to capitalize on his new head coach’s offensive system and fully loaded roster,” Chadiha wrote on March 31. “ There’s simply been too much smoke around that position within that franchise to think Murray isn’t walking into a situation where he is not expected to deliver big.
“Murray might have been able to dismiss his critics when he was Arizona’s unquestioned franchise quarterback. It’s a lot different now that he’s playing on a one-year, prove-it contract. The Vikings need somebody to lead their team in the NFC North, which is filled with serious playoff contenders. Darnold proved he could do that two years ago. Murray has enough ability to do the same things this fall.”
The Vikings let Darnold walk in favor of clearing a path for McCarthy.
After McCarthy struggled on the field and to stay healthy–he also missed his rookie season with a knee injury–the Vikings are hoping to capture lightning in a bottle again, this time with Murray presumably leading the way. That is, unless McCarthy can make up a lot of lost confidence.