In Defense of Kyler Murray
We’re considering no less than a dozen QBs to come in and solidify our QB room. Most are aging vets who’ve had previous success, and it’s uncertain whether or not they can continue that success (Cousins, Rodgers, Geno). Some are younger QBs who’ve had little to no success (Mac J, Willis, Richardson). You can add a half dozen names to one list or another: Jimmy G, Carr, Flacco, Mariota, Trubisky… But some of these names, despite not offering much upside, still come with a hefty price tag.
Meanwhile, one of our options is a former #1 overall pick. That by itself is meaningless. Bryce Young was a #1 overall pick, as was Jameis Winston. Unlike those players, though, Murray has solid numbers and a couple of Pro Bowls to go with it. Think about when we brought in Sam Darnold. Now THAT was a bust. He conjured more ghosts than a Salem seance. Viking fans everywhere were unimpressed. My point at the time was that for six years, the guy’s been driving a ’74 Pinto. What might a QB with his arm talent look like driving a sports car? The answer was pretty damn good. Do not underestimate the value of surround.
Fast forward two years and we have a similar opportunity. Except this guy hasn’t been a bust. No doubt, he has concerns surrounding his leadership and work ethic, and that might be a big problem for KOC. And if it is, so be it. Sign Geno and let’s get it on.
But if I’m KOC, I take that chance. The payoff could be enormous. Only 28, tools for days, represents the kind of running threat we’ve never had in our history. Not even Daunte or Fran could run like this guy. It’s almost unheard of for a team with this much talent to get an opportunity to sign a QB with tools like this.
And he’s a Viking fan? And you can get him for close to vet min? Sold American!
Knowing what O'Connell has had success with...I just don't see how Murray is a fit in this offense? Short, has to get outside the pocket to be accurate. We don't know where he is at after the injuries and how much that has affected his elite athleticism, which has been his best trait. Tua, Derek Carr, Cousins and the like are much better throwing consistantly from the pocket and that's really what O'Connell wants and we know he hates deviating from that
I get the point and the ceiling for him joining here could be sky high - like Favre sky high.
So overall, I'm in the Murray camp if he can be had...But dayum, it better be at least 2 seasons and I'm not sure how much a fan KOC is of him?
My biggest concern is what message does that send to JJM?
Murray has a nasty injury history and hasn't been his old self for a while either:
2025: Mid-Foot Sprain/Lisfranc Injury: Murray suffered a serious, right-foot injury in Week 5 that required a trip to Injured Reserve (IR) and ultimately ended his 2025 season after it failed to heal properly, missing most of the season.
2024: Knee Injury: He dealt with a knee injury that forced him to miss time and required, according to reports,, careful, long-term management.
2022: ACL Tear: Sustained a serious, season-ending ACL tear on December 12, 2022, which caused him to miss the end of the 2022 season and the start of the 2023 season.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
supafreak84 wrote:
Knowing what O'Connell has had success with...I just don't see how Murray is a fit in this offense? Short, has to get outside the pocket to be accurate. We don't know where he is at after the injuries and how much that has affected his elite athleticism, which has been his best trait. Tua, Derek Carr, Cousins and the like are much better throwing consistantly from the pocket and that's really what O'Connell wants and we know he hates deviating from that
We don't agree often, but we're totally agreed on this.
KOC, JJM, Flores...make a good plan, or you'll be following Kwesi....
HELL NO ON MURRAY. He just isn't good and he's hurt too much playing with that tiny frame. 5'10 205 ain't gonna cut it and I don't think he is 205 either.
Injury History:
2019/2020 - Played all 16 games.
2021 - 14 games played
2022 - Torn ACL - Played 11 games
2023 - Missed games due to ACL and then more from sickness - 8 games played
2024 - 16 game healthy season
2025 - Lisfranc foot sprain injury and ligament damage. Played 5 games
He is beat up now and cant stay healthy. We already have that with JJM. Lets not double down.
It's deja vu all over again....
MaroonBells wrote:
It's deja vu all over again....
Unlike Baker or even Darnold, I was never that 'high' on Murray's NFL prospects-- especially as a #1 overall pick. There's definitely a world where he comes here and it all works but the chances are so 'small' that I'd personally rather the team stick with McCarthy. I feel like if the rumors about Murray's work ethic were gonna get debunked, it would have happened by now. Those are my biggest issue with him.
Sources: Cardinals have informed QB Kyler Murray that they intend to release him on the first day of the league year next Wednesday, barring a trade between now and then.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
Arizona already owes him $36.8M guaranteed in 2026, and another $19.5M would have triggered on March 15 for… pic.twitter.com/AT5oLDnr5L
To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
— Kyler Murray (@K1) March 3, 2026
I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my…
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
IDK, I don’t mind Murray at league minimum. I don’t think he’s the best fit for what we want to do, but if you’re choosing between Murray at league minimum and paying a backup $20M, give me Murray.
I think all the veterans you’re looking at, you probably are hoping JJM outshines them, so being significantly cheaper is a benefit, and is any of these guys really knocking your socks off?
I certainly wouldn't bring him in as QB1 uncontested though.
Also, if your QB room looks like JJM, Murray, and Richardson, that’s 3 mobile guys you can build a cohesive scheme around, although not the same scheme we ran last year.
Not sure if what she says about Kyler Murray is accurate or not. The only real question here boils down to is Kay Adams the most beautiful woman on the planet?
Kyler Murray to the Vikings?? 🤔
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 3, 2026
With the Cardinals set to release their former 1st overall pick... What if he ended up in Minnesota?@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/D4mf4bNFqA
MaroonBells wrote:
Not sure if what she says about Kyler Murray is accurate or not. The only real question here boils down to is Kay Adams the most beautiful woman on the planet?
I dont know about on the planet, but she is a smoke show imo...
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Kyler Murray is at or near the top of the Vikings' QB wish list this offseason. This news brings him one step closer to the open market. https://t.co/mVZBdWBRZQ
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) March 3, 2026
comet52 wrote:
https://x.com/i/status/2028938140036001994
If OConnell wants to dig his own grave, have at it
MaroonBells wrote:
Not sure if what she says about Kyler Murray is accurate or not. The only real question here boils down to is Kay Adams the most beautiful woman on the planet?
I didn't hear a word she said, mesmerizing!
They had to put into his contract "watching film hours" lol. Then took it out because it hurt his feelings. Get a work ethic. You don't have one. People that have something, they have worked hard for it. Not given to anyone. That is the problem with where everything is going.
supafreak84 wrote:
If OConnell wants to dig his own grave, have at it
I'm not sure what Seifert has heard, but a little birdie has said the exact opposite. Murray is not at the top of our wish list, but we are top on his. I think Seifert is hearing this from Murray's camp, not the Vikings.
One year, vet minimum, no guarantees…. Complete “earn it” deal. That’s acceptable.
Investing anything more on a four foot tall QB who’s completed one full uninjured season in 5 years is absolute lunacy.
And honestly, if JJ can’t beat him out in training camp…I’d rather tank than watch Kyler scramble us to 7-8 wins and not be able to get the ball to Jettas like he couldn’t Marvin Harrison.
StickierBuns wrote:
This^.
Agents rule Silly Season.
Kay is beautiful, no doubt....and I like her about 60% of the time, but the other 40% is goofiness. She's gorgeous 100% of the time.
good music taste too...I see me some Stones in the lower left back shelf
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
supafreak84 wrote:
Knowing what O'Connell has had success with...I just don't see how Murray is a fit in this offense? Short, has to get outside the pocket to be accurate. We don't know where he is at after the injuries and how much that has affected his elite athleticism, which has been his best trait. Tua, Derek Carr, Cousins and the like are much better throwing consistantly from the pocket and that's really what O'Connell wants and we know he hates deviating from that
Yep. Haven't seen the elite athletes at QB show much success if they can't pass from the pocket as well. Scramblin Fran was a different era and more by necessity.
Murray has talent, but unless he can read a D, make passes from the pocket, those talents are wasted.
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