The Minnesota Vikings missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record last season after they had a successful 14-3 season in 2024. Minnesota missed the playoffs because of bad quarterback play. It was a mistake for them to not re-sign Sam Darnold. The Vikings struggled with J.J. McCarthy. He was horrendous on the field and was also dealing with injuries.
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Green Bay Packers Trevon Diggs (28) puts a hit on Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) during their game Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Because of this, Minnesota fired its general manager this offseason and they also signed quarterback Kyler Murray in free agency. Murray was released from the Arizona Cardinals this offseason. With him being projected to be the Vikings starter, it will be interesting to see how he will perform under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
NFL Analyst Believes That the Minnesota Vikings Can Get Back to the Playoffs in 2026 With Kyler Murray at Quarterback
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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches his team from the sidelines as they play the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025.
Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports listed one reason why each team should be optimistic entering the 2026 NFL season. He feels that Vikings fans should be excited because of the quarterback change with Murray this upcoming season. DeArdo said,
“A proven quarterback
After watching Sam Darnold flourish and win a Super Bowl in Seattle, Minnesota went out and acquired Kyler Murray in an effort to finally solidify their quarterback position. As Darnold did in 2024, the Vikings hope Murray can revitalize his career in Minnesota in 2026.
While his last Pro Bowl nod was back in 2021, Murray has had moments where he has played like an upper-echelon quarterback over the past four years, especially when healthy. In 2021, Murray played in all of Arizona’s 17 games and threw 21 touchdowns (against 11 interceptions) with a 68.8% completion percentage in addition to rushing for 527 yards and five scores.”
Murray is 28 years old. The Vikings have a good enough roster to be in Super Bowl contention. The only thing is that Minnesota plays in a brutal NFC North division with the Detroit Lions, the Chicago Bears, and the Green Bay Packers. One person that is no doubt going to be happy with Murray throwing passes instead of McCarthy next season is Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
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