Kyler Murray draft
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Kyler Murray was selected #1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Minnesota Vikings pivoted disastrously away from Sam Darnold to JJ McCarthy last offseason and are taking an equally significant direction this spring after signing QB Kyler Murray, which could also mean major conceptual shifts within the offense itself.
Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic on Sunday, April 5 examined what that might look like, as head coach Kevin O’Connell will be incentivized to go away from under-center looks and the play-action game to formations like shotgun and pistol that should be more suitable to Murray.
O’Connell’s offense (and especially his run game) currently flows out from a quarterback most frequently aligned under center, and it’s important that play action is first established from there. Yet when used judiciously, the pistol and shotgun can really open up a playbook.
Pistol may be a nice compromise between the shotgun that Murray has predominantly played from (84.8 percent of his snaps since 2020 were in shotgun, per TruMedia) and the under-center playbook O’Connell has used.
Kyler Murray Fell into Vikings’ Lap at Massive Bargain This Offseason
Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings
GettyQuarterback Kyler Murray, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals.
Rodrigue’s analysis assumes that Murray will be the starter, though most analysts across the NFL operate under the same assumption when discussing the Vikings.
Murray played just five games with the Arizona Cardinals last season after suffering a foot injury, though he was healthy enough to return in the middle of the campaign. Instead, Arizona held Murray out with the intention of preserving his health for a trade that never materialized.
The Cardinals finished tied for the worst record in the league in 2025 at 3-14 and will pick No. 3 overall in the draft later this month. Arizona ultimately decided to release Murray at the start of the new league year on March 11 despite still owing him more than $36 million for the upcoming year, shortly after which he signed with the Vikings on a league minimum deal worth $1.3 million.
Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler who will play next season at 29 years old and should be as healthy and energized as ever heading into 2026. Minnesota will pair Murray with the likes of wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, as well as tight end TJ Hockenson. The Vikings’ offensive roster, if healthy, has the potential to be the best of Murray’s career.
JJ McCarthy’s Time as Vikings’ Starter Could Be Over if Kyler Murray, Kevin O’Connell Find Middle Ground
JJ McCarthy, Vikings
GettyQuarterback JJ McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings.
McCarthy got 10 starts during his second season in 2025 after missing the entirety of his rookie campaign with a knee injury.
He finished the year with 1,632 passing yards, 11 TDs and 12 INTs along with a completion rate of 57.6 percent. McCarthy also rushed the football for 181 yards and four scores.
O’Connell was outspoken about bringing in competition for McCarthy this offseason. The Vikings brought back Carson Wentz, who played behind McCarthy in 2025. Meanwhile, Minnesota still employs former undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.
The Vikings’ most likely plan initially was to bring in a veteran, such as Kirk Cousins, who could push McCarthy for the starting job during the preseason and serve as a ready-made backup who could step in if McCarthy were to continue struggling or suffer yet another injury.
However, Murray’s availability at the lowest possible cost changed the equation for the Vikings and could now spell the end of McCarthy’s time as the team’s starter should Murray and O’Connell find a successful middle ground stylistically and return Minnesota to the playoffs next January.