Kyler Murray at the center of the questions around the Vikings in 2026
The expectation is that Kyler Murray can get the Minnesota Vikings back to the playoffs. But his durability could be a roadblock to that.
The Minnesota Vikings bet on a seamless transition whe J. J. McCarthy took over the QB1 job from Sam Darnold last season.
That, of course, blew up in their face, as the Vikings finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Meanwhile, Darnold and the Seahawks won the Super Bowl. Returning to the playoffs hinges on improved quarterback play in 2026, and that led Minnesota to sign Kyler Murray in free agency.
The former No. 1 overall pick had a rough ending to his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, but the Vikings hope that Kevin O'Connell and a change of scenery can help Murray return to his Pro Bowl-level from 2021, says Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports . Kyler Murray will, in all likelihood, be the Vikings' starter in 2026 after signing with the club this offseason.
He'll take over for J. J. McCarthy , who struggled mightily as the starter in 2025, and Murray is now tasked with bringing Minnesota back to relevancy.