Kyler Murray Gets the Sam Darnold Treatment

Minnesota’s decision-makers found Kyler Murray in free agency, a two-time Pro Bowler who was looking for a new job after being put on Arizona’s chopping block. Widely expected to win the quarterback competition over McCarthy, Murray could rejuvenate his career in the Twin Cities, where Sam Darnold did just that two years ago. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon thinks Murray could enjoy the same redemption arc in the upcoming season.

Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks on against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images. In recent years, the NFL has had one of those revival stories each year, starting with Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield, Darnold, and recently, Daniel Jones.

Gagnon wrote about Murray, “I’m not remotely ready to give up on Murray—one of the most uniquely talented players in the sport but a quarterback who consistently fell short during a seven-year run with the Cardinals that was tainted by injuries, coaching turnover, and a distinct lack of institutional support. ” The Cardinals had some talent on the roster in the first half of Murray’s tenure, but the team around him hadn’t been good in years. “Like Watson, Murray made multiple Pro Bowls early in his career,” Gagnon added.

“Unlike Watson, he has enjoyed some success as recently as 2024 and has avoided off-field controversy. Plus, he now joins a Minnesota offense that features one of the most dominant receivers in football and a strong offensive line. ” Deshaun Watson and Kyler Murray were amongst the best passers in football in 2020, but Watson’s career took a serious tumble due to the off-field disaster and declining play, while Murray continued to perform at a solid level when available.